The beta version of a new web site, Who Runs Gov appears to be a potentially useful tool for political junkies who need background information on Congresscritters, Senators, cabinet members, Executive office staff members, lobbist and other "movers and shakers".
The site covers things such as their professional / political background, their supporters (campaign contributors), their agenda and personal lives.
The site is in a wiki format and is editable by members.
It's easy to navigate and provides a straight forward (but slightly left) assessment of the rat maze that is Washington, DC, as well as the antics of the participating rats.
The site is owned and run by the Washington Post.
The goal of the site is spelled out on the welcome page.
WhoRunsGov.com offers a unique look at the world of Washington through its key players and personalities. It’s your window into how deals get made and policy is shaped in the new Obama administration that is remaking the nation’s capitol.
With a new presidential administration in town for the first time in eight years, there will be hundreds of new faces appearing on the subway, in congressional hearings, on K Street and of course in the White House. And many of us will be asking: Who Are They?
WhoRunsGov hopes to provide you with a quick and easy answer to that question. Simply put: it will be an ever-growing database of government power-brokers containing key information on new administration officials, lawmakers, senior Hill aides and ultimately interest group and think tank experts. We aim to be a single-stop shop for all those interested in the people and personalities who run the government.
The site has only been online for a few days so it is not complete by any means. However, it does have the potential to be worthy source of information.
Give it a look.