With his inauguration quickly approaching, president-elect Barack Obama launched his White House transition team and began deciding how to staff his administration.

The Obama-Biden Transition Project website, http://www.change.gov, will go live shortly. The project is led by John Podesta, former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton, Valerie Jarrett, a close friend of Obama's; and Pete Rouse, Obama's former Senate chief of staff.

Other members include former energy secretary Federico Pena, former Environmental Protection Agency administrator Carol Browner, both Clinton nominees. Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D), who maintains a strong relationship with tribes, is also on the team.

The inauguration takes place January 20, 2009.

Get the Story:
Obama announces transition-team staff (The Politico 11/6)
Obama Team Shifts to Transition Mode (The Washington Post 11/6)
Several Early Choices for New Administration Have Clinton Pedigree (The New York Times 11/6)

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