As his opponent tried to link him to Clinton and Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, Bowles attempted to strike a level of independence from the national Democratic Party.

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Taking up a job at the American embassy, she was social secretary to various ambassadors to India, including Chester Bowles and John Kenneth Galbraith.

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Among those polishing their resumes include spokesman McCurry, counselor Doug Sosnik and, if he doesn't get Bowles' job, chief lobbyist John Hilley.

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So were Rifat Ozbek, Hamish Bowles, Victoria Fernandez and, eventually, John Galliano.

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