Frank meet with Walker 's Chief of Staff , Linda Vasquez ( Sakina Jaffrey ) , whom Frank recommended for the job . She reveal that she and Walker have decided to rescind their promise to nominate him as Secretary of State because they want him to remain in Congress and use his political expertise to get the President @-@ elect ’ s education reform agenda passed . Frank is initially incensed , but when Linda ask if he will continue to be an ally to the future President he say that he will . Linda reveal that Senator Michael Kern ( Kevin Kilner ) have been chosen for the position instead . Despite his statement to the contrary , Frank feel personally betrayed and , with Claire ’ s encouragement , begin to formulate a plot for revenge , which he share with his Chief of Staff , Doug Stamper ( Michael Kelly ) . Mrs. Underwood , meanwhile , is forced to downsize the non @-@ profit organization she manage , the Clean Water Initiative , which had been promised a large donation upon her husband ’ s confirmation as Secretary , without which the organization is forced to substantially curtail its budget .