McKenna will get warm welcome in U.S. capital, observers say (Carlyle tie)

[Rose Siding]

Canada's new ambassador to Washington comes with Dem praise plus...

snip>
"He'd be a spectacular choice," says Jim Blanchard, the former Michigan governor who served as U.S. ambassador to Canada. "He speaks our language. I would suggest he'll cut a very high profile."

Blanchard is well acquainted with McKenna and last year attended his annual gathering of Maritime business leaders where former U.S. president Bill Clinton served as guest speaker.

His connections will be a big help, says Blanchard, who's considering a run at the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee.

"He's followed American politics all his life. He knows all these people. He knows who he's going to be dealing with."

McKenna, 57, has been practising law and sitting on numerous corporate boards since he left office in 1997, including the international advisory board of Carlyle Group, a huge private equity firm based in Washington with close ties to the Bush family.

Former president George Bush Sr. has worked for Carlyle and is a golfing buddy of McKenna's.

His stature with Martin and friendly relations with U.S. politicians from both major parties will open doors, says Chris Sands, an analyst at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

http://www.canada.com/news/world/story.html?id=eb679f3b-1073-43c9-bd7f-af3dd1b4cf4c

[democracy eh]

1. he is also a Bildeberg boy

he is already part of the club

just a new role