As 2010 count nears, no Census chief

The Census Bureau faces a leadership void less than 14 months before the 2010 Census rolls out. The agency is without a director and may not get one until someone is picked and confirmed to run the Commerce Department, which oversees the Census Bureau. The stakes are politically charged because the Census determines the allotment of seats in the House of Representatives, the drawing of political districts and the distribution of billions of federal dollars for schools, roads, hospitals and other programs. Groups such as the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights say that minorities and the poor have been undercounted in previous Censuses. Gregg's nomination reignited opposition by groups such as the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. To address their concern, the White House said it might have the Census director report to the White House rather than Commerce — a major shift.