The F.B.I. is conducting background interviews on Birdwhistell, who took over the cabinet when Dr. James Holsinger went back to U.K. earlier this year. Birdwhistell wouldn't tell me much when I talked to him last week except to say that nothing is "final" and "you'll be one of the first to know" if something happens. He wouldn't say whether he had applied or been recruited for a job in the Bush administration. But the F.B.I. only does background checks and interviews involving folks that are about to be appointed to a big federal job. Birdwhistell has had his share of controversies while working for state government. Democratic lawmakers grilled him and threatened to launch a full scale investigation during the state government health insurance crisis. There were claims that Birdwhistell, who was then a deputy secretary, had a conflict of interest which was hurting the state's negotiations. Birdwhistell has a background in the insurance industry. Birdwhistell has also been the target of criticism for the state's inability to get problems at Oakwood cleared up. He's also gotten praise for his willingness to try new things and for helping stabilize Kentucky's medicaid spending. We'll see if he gets the big federal job.