Will A Harvard Professor Go To Washington?

Baker Professor of Economics Martin S. Feldstein, has been teaching the dismal science at Harvard for over 30 years.

Eighteen years ago, mid-way through President Ronald Reagan's first term, Feldstein left the ivory tower for to serve as the chair of Reagan's Council of Economic Advisors.

Feldstein has advised George W. Bush on economic matters, and has defended and has defended the Texas Governor's social security proposal.

Feldstein has been mentioned in the national media for job in a potential Bush administration, include a seat on the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors. He might even be asked to reprise his role as the chair of the CEA.

Elaine Kamarck, a professor at the

Kennedy School of Government, is currently serving as a top policy advisor to Vice President Al Gore '69.

Prior to her arrival at the Kennedy School several years ago, Kamarck served as senior policy advisor to Gore, and was responsible for fashioning much of the New Democratic agenda that helped sweep Bill Clinton to the Presidency eight years ago.

She was also involved with three previous presidential campaigns for Democratic candidates.

Kamarck wasn't available to comment, but speculation places her in close quarters with the Vice President if he wins.

Roger B. Porter, IBM professor of Business and Government teaches The American Presidency, and is one of the architects of modern presidential decision management.

Last week, he hinted to a section of the class that he's involved with a presidential transition team. Though he wouldn't say which one, his conservative credentials, in-class name-dropping, and friendship with a certain political dynasty make it a pretty safe bet that he'd serve in some capacity for George W. Bush.

Porter has also served as a top economic adviser in the White House during the presidencies of Gerald Ford, Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

Thomas Professor of Government and of Sociology Theda Skocpol, a commentator on American society and government, has served as an informal advisor to President Clinton over the past eight years.

She is also director for the Center for American Political Studies, a post she recently assumed.

"I think I can best contribute to the reform process from my perch at Harvard and through my travels around the country to speak to citizens' groups as well as college-based groups," Skocpol writes in an e-mail.

Stanfield Professor for International Peace Robert D. Putnam has focused his studied on the state of civic engagement in the U.S.

He is the author of the recently published--and widely praised--Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.

He has journeyed to Washington, however, over the course of the Clinton Presidency to advise White House officials. And indeed, over the past weeks he has met with senior domestic policy advisors of both Bush and Gore to discuss civic engagement and public policy.

But he rejects the thought of accepting a permanent position in the federal government.

"I care deeply about civic renewal in this country, and since that is not a purely partisan issue, I'm glad to speak with leaders of either party," writes Putnam in an e-mail message. "On the other hand, I have no intention of leaving Harvard for any full-time position. I can't imagine a better job than the one I have now."