What Workers Should Consider When Voting for Their Next Boss

"If that is in place, it is far more likely they would make intelligent decisions regarding human capital policy, decisions which will ensure that we attract and retain a talented, able workforce committed to public service," said Carol A. Bonosaro, president of the Senior Executives Association.

A key factor to weigh is whether a candidate intends to rebuild the civil service, said Paul C. Light, a New York University professor. Employees "know that the federal service is in trouble" because of budget and staff shortages, outsourcing and too many political appointees who are in over their heads, Light said.

"How will the candidates make it feel good to come to work each day?" he asked.

One answer could be whether a candidate believes in "empowering front-line employees" to help improve federal programs and whether a candidate will use the government "to promote public good rather than private gain," said Colleen M. Kelley, president of the National Treasury Employees Union.

Although budgeting and staffing are chronic ailments in government, federal employees should keep those in mind when listening to the candidates, said Darryl Perkinson, president of the Federal Managers Associationand Richard N. Brown, president of the National Federation of Federal Employees.

Some agencies, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs, project growing workloads, which means that federal employees should look for candidates who will address funding and hiring of personnel to provide critical services to the public, Perkinson said.

"There are a lot of fiscal clouds coming together," especially on entitlements and taxes, that may affect federal employees, said Paul Posner, a George Mason University professor. Federal employees, he said, should look for a candidate who "is honest about the budget and the deficit."

Most federal employee groups have not endorsed a candidate. The National Association of Letter Carriers and the National Federation of Federal Employees are backing Clinton.

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association does not make a presidential endorsement but said Clinton, McCain and Obama had perfect voting records in the Senate during 2005 and 2006 on issues important to the association.

"Regardless of party lines, federal-oriented voters want a boss who believes that government is a positive force," said Steven L. Katz, a government management expert and author. These voters, he said, want to hear a new president declare, "I am honored to lead and follow the dedicated people in government."

Stephen Barr's e-mail address isbarrs@washpost.com.