The President intends to nominate “Ellen C. Williams, of Kentucky, to be a Governor of the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service, for the remainder of a nine-year term expiring December 8, 2007, vice John S. Gardner.” Ellen C. Williams has served on the Kentucky Public Service Commission. She also has served as chairman and executive director of the Republican Party of Kentucky.

 Also, Williams is listed as a lobbyist under her Father- Retired Lt. General John B. Conaway’s Lobbying Firm “Conaway Group.”

From Kentucky Post:

Turfway Park has enlisted a veteran Republican insider to help lobby for expanded gambling and changes to horse racing regulations among other issues in Frankfort and Washington.

Former Kentucky Republican Party chair Ellen Williams was hired a week ago and already is at work in the 2006 session of the Kentucky General Assembly on behalf of the Florence track.

…Williams will lead Turfway’s effort to get legislation passed in Frankfort that would allow for legalized casino gambling at the track and others around the commonwealth.

“I think it will be interesting to see when the bill gets introduced,” Williams said.

For now, Williams, who is also lobbying for Commonwealth Brands cigarette makers, is working to get up to speed on all of Turfway’s needs, she said.

She will take the seat currently held by Mr. Gardner, whose recess appointment would be terminated. Update: Williams BIO: (link courtesy of Postcom.org)

Additional links:

- Turfway Park (Horse Racing) Hires Lobbyist

- Williams also a lobbyist for Commonwealth Brands cigarette makers

- In March of this year Bush nominated Mickey D. Barnett of New Mexico, for the remainder of a nine-year term expiring December 8, 2013 and Katherine C. Tobin, of New York, for the remainder of a nine-year term expiring December 8, 2012.

Barnett, a lawyer for the Republican party in New Mexico, and lobbyist was involved in the 2000 presidential election recount.  In 2004, some Republicans criticized Barnett for serving as a paid lobbyist while holding a party position.

Current members of the USPS Board of Governors:

James C. Miller III, Chairman (R)
Alan C. Kessler, Vice Chairman (D)
Carolyn Lewis Gallagher, Member (R)
Louis J. Giuliano, Member (R)
John S. Gardner, Member (R) recessed appointment terminated

Two more positions are is available (assuming all of the nominees, Barnett, Tobin and Williams are confirmed by the Senate) to complete the nine-member Board of Governors.