Observers of politics have long known that the skills necessary to gain office are not necessarily the same as those needed to govern effectively. In addition, many obstacles stand in the way of newly elected officials as they seek to translate campaign promises into concrete action. Among those obstacles are a campaign ill-suited to debate or discuss governance; a year-round, continuous obsession with campaigning and fund raising; a confusing and arduous confirmation process; the absence of preelection planning for governance by candidates; and the lack of communication between congressional leaders and presidential candidates.

The aim of removing obstacles to effective governance cuts across party and ideological lines. For that reason, the Transition to Governing Project is fortunate to have the support of think tanks from all parts of the political spectrum. The organizations do not agree on the specific policies future administrations should pursue, but they are in accord on the need for making the transition to governing as smooth and effective as possible. The advisory council of the project will issue a white paper that sets benchmarks for improving the campaign process and the subsequent transition process.