Pretenders to fill US top positions nearly 3 times more than needed

George W. Bush who has won the presidential election in US will have to shape his administration making nearly 8,000 nominations to various positions, including some 300 key positions at the White House. 21,000 applications have already been lodged for the positions in the new administration. Out of 8,000 “political nominations” to be made by the new president, about 3,000 should be tested for fitness and loyalty by US competent bodies, RIA Novosti reports. 1,200 nomination will have to be approved by the Senate, the applicants having to fill out 60-page questionnaires. Sources close to Mr. Bush report that the coming president has virtually formed the circle of his closest aides but will not formally announce the nominations until his arrival in Washington due Sunday night. Currently, Mr. Bush is having consultations discussing candidacies for key positions in his cabinet. Judging by the information coming in, most difficult to decide upon are proving the positions of defence and finance ministers which most Republican pretenders, both “moderate” and “conservative,” are seeking.