It looks bad, but I don't know a great alternative.   I've been a manager, it helps to know the product or service that you are managing.  You have to be able to understand the current working process before you make positive changes.

So who are you going to hire to for a job?   A 'good woman/guy', or somebody that knows the territory?   These appointees are often highly successful people in their industry, they should not be rejected simply by association.   

I'd rather show bias by previous career experience, than just award jobs to those who are 'good' Democrats or 'good ' Republicans.    Party loyalty doesn't mean a thing to me, a proven record of success does.    Too bad it doesn't work that way.