McDonnell administration: Help wanted

While most of the attention these past few weeks has been focused on Bob McDonnell's Cabinet secretary selections, the incoming governor still needs to fill a slew of other soon-to-be-vacant jobs.

McDonnell eventually will fill about 250 positions that include deputy and assistant Cabinet secretaries, agency heads, senior leadership in the governor's office, the first lady's office and other administrative slots.

These "at will" positions are mostly political appointees who serve at the pleasure of the governor and are not part of the state's classified work force.

As of this week, McDonnell's office has received 3,401 applicants for those 250 positions, according to the transition office. The number is higher than it has been in recent years because McDonnell is the first Republican governor elected in 12 years.

McDonnell will be sworn in Jan. 16. He has five Cabinet secretaries left to name (health, education, technology, natural resources and commonwealth preparedness) and virtually all other positions.