Sans Harold, Kumar Goes to the White House

Kal Penn -- the actor best known for his portrayal of stoner pre-med student Kumar Patel in the "Harold & Kumar" franchise -- has been named associate director of President Obama's public liaison office, EW is reporting, and will begin work soon at a desk in the Old Executive Office Building, a stone's throw from the White House.  His exit from medical drama "House" is solidified -- his Dr. Lawrence Kutner committed suicide in a major twist on the show last night -- and he's said he's ready to make a clean break with acting for the immediate future.  Penn's worked for the campaign before, so it's not a huuuge leap -- okay, maybe it is.  Is this further proof that D.C. is really the place to be?