PHILADELPHIA -- Gov. Jim Douglas today offered cautious support for President-elect Barack Obama's recently made cabinet appointments, taking pleasure in the fact that Obama has tapped several current and former governors for high-level positions.

"I'm pleased he's reaching into the ranks of the governors," Douglas, a Republican, told PolitickerVT.com after he and other governors met with Obama here to discuss the financial crisis and possible federal aid for states.

"I think maintaining some stability in his national security team makes sense," Douglas added, referring to Obama's decision to retain current Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. "I think we should wait to see what the whole team looks like but I'm glad he'll be getting counsel from my colleagues."