I would suggest that if there is a conflict of interest, for example, a spouse that is a lobbist, the job should not be offered. There is too much money in Washington and too many of our public officials have incestous relationships and it is just a "good old boy" system. Let's get back to basics and serve our country and not let our country serve us.

Michelle Obama took a huge salary increase from a hospital that had just received a multi-million dollar grant engineered by her husband Barack Obama. Typical Chicago style tit for tat payoff. With this history of ethical lapse already a part of the Obama family fabric, how can we expect other families to be ethically accountable?
We can't

Again, you fight for your friend Hillary but come on Susan, enough is enough. The Clinton's are dirty and have always been dirty and will destroy who ever gets in their way. Obama better watch his back because we know he has made Hillary very angry and now is trying to pacify her to keep her quiet. These next 4 years are going to be rocky but entertaining to watch.

More business as usual type advice from a wannabe Washington insider type. Susan's probably angling for an appointment since even with her extra-liberal slant, she can't seem to get at least a book deal. Maybe a lobbying job would be a nice consolation prize.

Seriously, any ethical person(s) would automatically know that having a lobbyist spouse only will drive the deals into a more secretive level, but the money will still be offered, and something expected of it if and when accepted. It's an ethical greyzone and any ethical official will avoid it, and the spouse should expect to take on a job that won't conflict. After all, we have to assume the couple discussed the matter before the election so it's a choice, not an unfair situation to the lobbyist parter.

Al

The integrity of a government position is worth vastly more than the career ambitions of a spouse. Susan, you are a bit too obsessed with careers and less interested in the integrity of government.

The issue isn't returning to baking cookies, the issue is, between the couple, whether one is willing to find other outlets for their talents for the sake of honest government service.

The Clintons are an extreme example, but is is so flagrantly clear that Bill's massive financial interests with Arabs and other hostile groups prevent her from serving in the state department. And the hypocrisy of the lintons knows no boundary -- she boasted in the campaign of her sole speech in China about women's rights, yet her husband and family foundations take vast sums from countries where women aren't even allowed to drive.

At some point Hillaryy had to decide, country or career. She clearly has always chosen career.

As for the others, this country can live without a few lobbyists. These spouses can find other work, and if they can't this is a remarkable country, full of talent, and we can find plenty of unconflicted people for these positions.

Susan, get over it - careers aren't everything.