Obama Angers Key Supporters, Keeps Bush Faith-Based Hiring Policy in Place

Reporting from Los Angeles and Washington — It seemed like a firm campaign promise. Barack Obama pledged to continue President Bush’s faith-based office in the White House, but with a key change: Groups receiving federal money would no longer be allowed to discriminate in hiring on the basis of religion. On Thursday, however, as President Obama disclosed the details of his faith-based program, he left the controversial Bush policy in place.