Let’s see – to head our nation’s space program, you have two serious candidates. One is a former astronaut who is familiar with the space program from the ground up. The other is a carpetbagging political hack and former high school science teacher whose main qualification for the job appears to be losing congressional elections in multiple districts and an ability to schmooze. It ought to be an easy choice, right? Not, apparently, for Barack Obama – who like the latter candidate is more style than substance and underqualified for high office.

Former U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson, once a county assessor and school science teacher, has emerged as a contender for the top job at NASA, sources on Capitol Hill have told the Houston Chronicle.

The 64-year-old Stafford Democrat, whose Houston-area congressional district included Johnson Space Center, has joined a short list of prospective nominees for the $177,000-a-year post.

Former astronaut Charles Bolden Jr., a retired Marine Corps major general, also remains in contention, in part because of support from Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., chairman of the Senate panel that oversees NASA.

Now Mr. President, I agree with the many members of Congress who have urged you to name an administrator quickly. After all, there are tasks to be accomplished in the furtherance of the Constellation program that need firm leadership and a clear understanding of the issue at hand. And that is why I am urging you to reject Slick Nick Lampson in favor of the truly qualified candidate for the job – Major General Bolden.