Stubborn Loyalty Keeps White House Crew On Board

Despite predictions of a wholesale evacuation from top White House offices after the dismal midterm elections last year, insiders report that there has been a remarkable tendency by top aides to hang in either to the very end of the president's term or until major agenda items are approved.

"The loyalty is stunning considering how bad everything is going," said a senior administration official. "After the wave of people leaving for [GOP presidential] campaigns ended, it's been quiet."

Another official explained that top White House and cabinet aides--including cabinet members--are planning to stay either until after the next election or at least until major programs their offices or departments are handling run their course in Congress.

"A lot of us are looking for that one big bill to pass before leaving," said the aide. "We'd like to leave on a high note." Many believe that the "big bill" will be passage of immigration reform. "Right now, that looks like the one that will make it through."

Those who are looking for jobs outside the administration, meanwhile, report that they are not facing much competition from their colleagues.

"I would have thought more people would be out there looking at the few top jobs available, but it's not happening," said one job seeker.

By Paul Bedard