Governor Ridge, 56, brings several assets to the task.

The various agencies and departments that will report to Governor Ridge could be compared to 46 different and sometimes incompatible computer systems.

Governor Ridge has said he would be willing to order a takeover if the mayor requested it.

Governor Ridge has not spoken publicly about his new job or what his powers would be.

"I believe Governor Ridge is exactly the right person for the job," Senator Collins said.

Governor Ridge, for one, has a riveting rags-to-respectability biography and could help carry his battleground state.

But Governor Ridge has refused to give more.

"They undoubtedly saved hundreds, if not thousands, of lives," Governor Ridge said of the passengers.

Governor Ridge's critics think otherwise, and they seem bent on driving their point home.

Why has the White House said that Governor Ridge will not testify?