Jason,
i comment on your writing, not the issues...

this was a fine piece, but was made less powerful and less professional by 2 statements:

1.The snarky comment about Joeseph being outside only in Portlant was very adolescent, and out of synch with the factual, intelligent article you wrote.  An editor would have erased this, and I suggest asking for editing help in the future.

2.  The unnecessary and cliche comment about "the revolving door in Washington" made your entire piece seem more political and less scientific.  It was ad hominem, added nothing to your argument, and made your otherwise objective information seem like it was maybe less objective and more about your personal distaste for this man.  After all, everyone uses connections to get ahead.  That is not the issue - the issue is what his job is supporting, not how he got the job.  it only detracts from your authority when you reveal these prejudicial, non-factual resentments.  again, an editor would be invaluable.