Kaufman faces tricky balancing act (Delaware Online)

Kaufman faces tricky balancing act

Years on vice president-elect's staff may help probable successor incorporate Biden's values with his own views

By NICOLE GAUDIANO • News Journal Washington Bureau • December 21, 2008

Many lawmakers have grappled with how to balance their constituents' needs with their own principles. As Ted Kaufman sees it, he'll have a third consideration when he becomes Delaware's new senator next month: What would Vice President-elect Joe Biden do?

Biden's preference may not always prevail in Kaufman's decisions but it must be part of the equation, given that he was appointed to a seat Biden was elected to retain, Kaufman said.

"It's clear to me that the people of Delaware are looking for someone that has his values and his views at least reflected in what they're doing," he said.

The ability to extrapolate Biden's views should come easily to Kaufman, 69. He worked for the six-term Democrat for 22 years, including 19 as his chief of staff, and has remained one of his closest advisers for the past 13. Both raised Catholic, they hail from similar backgrounds. Biden has referred to Kaufman as "a brother."

much more at link
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20081221/NEWS02/812210340/1006/NEWS02

of the 111th congress.

Joe has to be a tough act to follow!