"Just four months after being confirmed, assistant secretary David Anderson decided that he won't involve himself with some key policy issues - like Indian gambling - to avoid the appearance of conflict with past business interests.

That's good. We're old-fashioned enough to believe that public servants should serve the public, not former business pals.

But, the real question here is: Why in the name of good government was Anderson appointed in the first place?"

Get the Story:
Editorial: Part-time help for full-time job (The Denver Post 5/11)

Relevant Documents:
Anderson - Norton Recusal Memos (April 2004)

Confirmation Hearing:
Senate Indian Affairs Committee (October 22, 2003)

Related Stories:
BIA's Anderson has Indian Country support (5/10
Anderson rejects critic's call to resign from BIA post (5/10)
Senator Coleman: Anderson should not resign (5/7)
Dodd says Anderson recusal came out of nowhere (5/7)
BIA bashed over federal recognition decisions (5/6)
Dodd calls on Anderson to resign over broad recusal (5/6)
Anderson recused on all federal recognition matters (5/5)
BIA critical of main components of recognition bill (04/22)
Anderson takes message to Indian Country youth (2/18)
Anderson asks for prayers in new job as head of BIA (02/05)
'Famous' Dave Anderson confirmed to head BIA (12/11)
BIA nominee wins endorsement of Senate panel (10/23)
White House acts to fill top BIA leadership post (09/15)
Biography: BIA nominee 'Famous' Dave Anderson (09/15)
Lack of BIA nominee puzzles Indian Country (08/07)