The position would be modeled after a similar job created in Virginia in 1998 by Gov. James Gilmore to promote Virginia as a location for technology firms. It would also be similar to the Cabinet-level "drug czar" job created during the administration of Bush's father, giving the czar greater status than current government positions related to technology, such as heading the Federal Communications Commission or Federal Trade Commission.
Among the names being mentioned for the job are former Sen. Spencer Abraham of Michigan, who authored legislation on digital signatures, and Silicon Valley venture capitalist Floyd Kvamme.
Analysts contacted by the Times appeared split on what the tech czar position would actually mean in terms of steering government policy.
Lezlee Westine, co-director of the Palo Alto, Caif., lobbying group Technology Network, said the move would "bring the 'new economy' agenda to the White House."
Others, however, believe Bush's plate is too full with other long-simmering Republican priority issues such as tax cuts, education and reforms of social programs.
With a virtual party deadlock in Congress, some analysts questioned whether Bush would want to quickly dive into tech-related issues such as Internet sales taxes, open access to cable television lines and online privacy.
"Bush already has a very full agenda of very big issues," said Scott Cleland, technology analyst for Washington's Precursor Group. "Technology is clearly not going to be a top-tier policy priority of this administration."
Nevertheless, Bush aides have already been making the rounds in Silicon Valley to sound out their feelings on matters – including a tech czar and possibly convening a high-tech summit meeting next month, the newspaper said.
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