Obama Considers GOP's Gregg to Head Commerce (filibuster-proof Democratic majority)

[usregimechange]

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.

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

[msongs]

1. gov lynch is NOT obligated to cast a democrat...a phoney dem or repub could happen nt

[usregimechange]

4. Would he do that? I don't know much about him

[Bluerthanblue]

10. wouldn't really surprise me-

Lynch isn't a "bad" Gov. but he doesn't display much backbone. (imo)

[anonymous171]

2. Good idea. I say go for it. nt

[TTUBatfan2008]

3. This reminds me of when Obama first became a state senator...

he managed to find proof that there weren't enough legit signatures from his opponents to be on the ballot and consequently they were all eliminated. The ultimate example of hardball. This guy truly is the smartest motherfucker in the room.

[backscatter712]

5. I suspect this is a feint.

For one thing, Gregg would be a douchey Commerce Secretary - he's really anti-union.

For another thing, there's no guarantee that New Hampshire's governor would replace Gregg with a Democrat.

Also, Gregg would be under huge pressure from his fellow Republicans not to accept the job.

I'm wondering what brought Obama to think of this? I'm thinking it's just a planted rumor designed to make the Republicans go apeshit and start scrambling - it succeeded in doing that. :evilgrin:

[Bluerthanblue]

8. Gregg's a jerk- was a terrible gov. and is an arrogant foolish

senator, but one that seems to be solidly in, due in large part (imo) more to name recognition and laziness than any genuine fondness for him by his repub. base-

Sununu was a .... more acceptable sen,(i think) but was easier to unseat and i'm glad he lost. At first i was totally against Gregg in commerce Secretary, but just because he was appointed, doesn't mean he couldn't be replaced does it? If he left his senate seat to accept an appointment, I think theres a good chance he wouldn't be able to just step back in.

As for gov. Lynch, not sure he'd have the guts to appoint a Dem- he's not very ..."strong willed" or bold. But wouldn't it be a hoot if he did?

:hi:

[cherish44]

6. I don't think this scenario has a chance in hell of happening...

Our best bet on getting a 60 majority is to hope a Republican in a state with a Democratic governor resigns or gets kicked out of office (it could happen!)

[Bullet1987]

7. I don't see this happening at all

The Rethugs in the Senate would threaten the guy to death to try to force him not to take the job.

[Bluerthanblue]

9. i don't think they'd have much effect with Gregg- he's a weird bird-

but i think he be a really bad addition to the Obama team. He's arrogant, selfish and old school conservative (except for a few positive environmental votes).
(now if he'd take the position and soon after be replaced, that would be great- but little chance of that either)

[Better Believe It]

11. You only need 51 votes to pass legislation

All filibusters end.

Claiming you can't pass legislation if the Republicans threaten a filibuster or actually being one is a lame excuse to withdraw progressive legislation.

All filibusters come to an end in one of two ways.

1. The party proposing the legislation withdraws it.

or

2. The party proposing the legislation refuses to withdraw it and waits out the filibuster until they get the 60 votes to end debate.

After cloture has been voted the legislation than needs 51 votes to pass or 50 votes with Vice-President Biden voting the tie-breaker.

[Bluerthanblue]

12. this is petty, but I'd just love it if he

didn't 'represent' NH any longer.

Obama must have a good reason to have asked him. Can't figure it out, but I'm sure there's a good reason.

:shrug: