High-tech industry lobbies for tech czar

High tech lobbyists and executives are quietly putting pressure on President-elect George W. Bush to appoint a "technology czar" before his first State of the Union Speech, according to industry sources. Industry leaders want the position at the White House level, sources said, to ensure tech policy isn't relegated to second or third tier status as the new administration lays out its first policy agenda.

Names are already floating as potential nominees for tech czar, but transition aides say they are "miles" away from creating any kind of short list. Among those being mentioned is Floyd Kvamme, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist that has served as a technology policy advisor throughout Bush's campaign. Kvamme had also been mentioned as a possible candidate for Commerce Secretary, but that post went to long time Bush fundraiser Don Evans. --MSNBC