They Hold the Seats of Power

By Amanda Bower, Val Castronovo, Matthew Cooper, Randy Hartwell, Unmesh Kher, Benjamin Nugent, Julie Rawe, Chris Taylor and Josh Tyrangiel

Where else would low-level staff members enjoy high-ceilinged offices in a Beaux Arts-inspired building while senior execs cram into windowless cubicles? Only in the White House. Everyone wants to be in the West Wing near the President. Here's how Bush has divvied up his staff.

SECOND FLOOR

Karen Hughes Counsellor to the President Former campaign spokeswoman gets the spacious digs once held by Alexis Herman when she ran ran the public-liaison office

Clay Johnson Head of Presidential Personnel Under Clinton, this job was conductd from the Old Executive Office Building. Clearly Bush wants his Austin ally nearby

Alberto Gonzales White House Counsel Clinton's counsel sat here as well. Hope Gonzales will see fewer subpoenas

Lawrence Lindsey Economic Policy Adviser Gets the wood-paneled office that once housed Bob Rubin, and he'll hope to have as much influence

Margaret LaMontagne Domestic Policy Adviser On second floor, as are most of the Texans

Karl Rove Political Adviser Inherits Hillary's old digs, so you know this office has clout

FIRST FLOOR

Condoleezza Rice National Security Adviser Gets traditional NSA office. Could share decorating tips with Colin Powell, who occupied it under Reagan

Dick Cheney Vice President Inherits Al Gore's old office. Out: Earth-as-seen-from-space photo. In: soon-to-be-hung map of Wyoming

Andy Card Chief of Staff Stays in chief of staff's office. Perks: A garden and the ultrasecure white phone given only to top staff members

Ari Fleischer Press Secretary Gets big office held by predecessors. Perks: Four TVs and two doors, one for avoiding the press

George W. Bush President The Oval Office is cream colored and filled with Western art. Lincoln and Ben Franklin busts are in, F.D.R. and J.F.K. are out

Joseph Hagin Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Clinton used this office for influential hotshots like George Stephanopoulos, but Hagin's a management guy. "There's no power rival to the chief of staff on the President's floor," said a Clintonite

Joshua Bolten Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Under Clinton, a parade of deputies sat here, including the influential Harold Ickes. It'll be even more important under Bush