Brett Zongker

Is the Smithsonian Institution going to take its prestigious brand and bring it to bear on hot political topics? A positive Associated Press profile of Smithsonian chief Wayne Clough (pronounced kluff) by reporter Brett Zongker announced "Clough wants to combine the Smithsonian's resources to become a major voice on the toughest issues of the day. Among his key priorities: climate change, education and immigration."

Clough is apparently using the political issues in his fundraising pitch, as Zongker explained: "Clough has quietly begun work on the Smithsonian's first major capital campaign with the goal of raising well over $1 billion. ``We need more big ideas,'' he said. "I've talked to donors who say 'Hey, I'm really interested in the fact that you have resources to be an honest broker in the climate change debate ... and I would be willing to put up significant money to do that.'''