NO LURCHING LEFT:

5 on the outs in Cabinet shuffle (GLENN THRUSH, 11/22/08, POLITICO)

John Kerry, State — The Massachusetts senator and former Democratic presidential nominee was a passionate, articulate and early supporter of Obama, a fixture on both conference calls and the Sunday talk show circuit. Kerry’s people say he never had any expectations of being named secretary of State but other Democrats say he made no secret of his Foggy Bottom aspirations. “He’s crushed,” said one Senate aide. [...]

Howard Dean, HHS — He’s stepping down as DNC chairman with a revitalized reputation, thanks to Obama’s validation of his 50-state strategy. But Dean, a physician by training and rebel by inclination, has a keen interest in health care reform and was considered a top candidate for the top job at Health and Human Services. That is, until the gig went to former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, a less volatile player who is expected to be the administration’s health-care point man on the Hill. What did Dean in? It could have been his frosty relationship with Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who was frustrated with Dean's efforts on behalf of House Dems, according to the Wall Street Journal. [...]

Bill Richardson, State — New Mexico’s governor and former Clinton U.N. ambassador-cum-Energy secretary dearly wanted State. And Obama owed him big-time, both for his primary endorsement and for Richardson’s now-forgotten decision to swing his delegates to Obama during the Iowa caucuses. If he’s upset, though, his tears will apparently fall on the Cabinet table. He’s reportedly the new Commerce secretary, and was apparently offered Interior too.