Obama Considers GOP's Gregg to Head Commerce

[usregimechange]

Source: Washington Post

Republican Sen. Judd Gregg (N.H.) emerged yesterday as a serious contender to fill the remaining post in President Obama's Cabinet, saying he is under consideration by the White House to become commerce secretary, which opens the possibility of a filibuster-proof Democratic majority in the Senate.

The longtime senator is among several leading candidates for the job, which opened earlier this month after New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) withdrew as Obama's nominee. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said no decision has been made, but he added that Obama hopes to nominate someone shortly.

"I am aware that my name is one of those being considered by the White House for secretary of Commerce, and am honored to be considered, along with others, for the position," Gregg said in a statement released by his office yesterday. "Beyond that there is nothing more I can say at this time."

Gregg, 61, could be an appealing choice for Obama, who has said he wants to bring Republicans into his administration. If Gregg left the Senate, his seat would be filled by New Hampshire's Democratic governor, John Lynch. If Lynch tapped a Democrat for the seat -- and if Democrat Al Franken wins the still-undecided Minnesota race -- the majority party would have 60 seats, including the two independents who caucus with Democrats, which is enough to withstand Republican filibusters.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/30/AR2009013003433.html?wprss=rss_politics%2Fcongress

[Faygo Kid]

1. Brilliant. Will get the Dems to the 60 seats they need.

Obama demonstrates bipartisanship. If Gregg turns it down (he won't), it's one more nail in the Limbaugh-built coffin for the GOP. Gregg knows his economics stuff, too; his GOP successors on his committees don't.

Gregg is the last GOP nationally elected senator in the Northeast outside Maine. He reads the handwriting, and wants out. The President has given him a totally class out, while assuring that magical 60 votes for the Dems.

This guy Obama is good.

[Frank Booth]

7. Yep. It's looking like we finally got a Democratic leader with power, brains and backbone.

[AndyTiedye]

13. Not So Fast

1. It is far from certain that Lynch would pick a Democrat.

2. Franken's election will be tied up in the courts for years, and if it goes to the Supreme Court, they'll use Bush v. Gore as a precedent to hand the election to Coleman.

[Redneck Socialist]

2. Gregg's a fucking knuckle head, but...

...as the article noted, Lynch gets to pick his replacement.

I suspect that Gregg can do far less damage as Commerce Secretary than he can as Senator. I guess I'm for it if for no other reason then to get him out of the Senate. For the first time in my lifetime my state would be 100% blue at the federal level. That would be a hell of thing.

They mentioned this this morning on NH public radio, but I couldn't find independent confirmation before I had to go to work so I held off on posting it.

[baracktheone]

4. Senate Republican's will fillibuster him

unless the N.H. govrnor agrees to pick a Republican.

Amazing, the party of "states rights" want to tell a state governor who he can and can't pick. LOL

[usregimechange]

6. They better keep all of their ducks in a row if they have a chance!

[Redneck Socialist]

10. I don't think so.

The Senate is a pretty exclusive club. I doubt they'll oppose one of their own.

[bluestateguy]

3. This has to be some kind of a head fake by Obama

nt

[liberaltrucker]

5. Brilliant political move

Commerce isn't exactly the most powerful Cabinet position, so not much harm done.
MORE than balanced by one more Dem Senator. The kicker is, Mr Gregg wound serve
at the pleasure of the President. President Obama could fire him at any time, for
any reason. In golf terms, a hole in one. The Repukes have no idea who they're
dealing with! They're quaking in their boots at an uncorrupted Chicago politician.
Let 'em quake.

:toast:

[Left Coast2020]

8. A second And Thirds on the Brilliant move by Obama.

This was the same analysis I heard on NPR (National Pentagon Radio). But, this all hinges on Gregg saying yes, and Franken getting seated.

Didn't catch the reporters name but she said exactly the same thing. This would eliminate any chance of repugs killing a progressive piece of legislation. And add to the fact Obama is due to make a SC nomination--or getting close. It is bound to happen soon. My guess by end of year. And god knows we need someone with a hell of a lot more brains than that hypocrite Thomas.

I can't wait to see what other moves Obama will make--which we may not like or understand, but has a greater outcome than having the moron from Texas.

This guy is sending a message to repugs, "don't F with me".
If Gregg takes job and screws up, does Obama fire him? Commence deal with trade issues. Yes?

[Political Heretic]

9. It would be a master-stroke. An another sign that Obama is quietly playing chicago hardball

While wearing a smile.... :)

[Bette Noir]

11. Shhh... Don't let the thugs in on the plan.

[No Elephants]

12. How many millions will the Pubs offer Gregg to turn down Commerce? Maybe that's why he is

floating this story, to up the ante? You know, like people say they have job offers in order to get a raise from their current employer?