Joe - there is no announcement today. I tried to leave you a voicemail but
apparently the system is down there.

Before we can offer an outside person a VP position, the Executive Committee
must sign off. We are going to be going through that process in a few
minutes. Then we begin the offer extension and negotiations. The person we
are recommending is Linda Robertson, one of the two people I mentioned to you
before.

Please guard the information carefully. Last time we talked, when the list
had been narrowed to two, DeLay's office called with the exact two names and
started pushing us to hire a Republican. As you know we interviewed
candidates of both political affiliations and just settled on the best
person. Ken told DeLay's office that's how we do things and Ken is
comfortable (actually enthused) about the choice.

When some external announcement is done, you will be involved and your
considerable contributions will be prominently mentioned.