Sam Stein, HuffPo (h/t Hope Not Fear):There is a strong possibility that Barack Obama will ask Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) to serve as his Secretary of Commerce, Democratic Senate aides tell the Huffington Post.
The move would fill a vacancy that has lingered since Gov. Bill Richardson withdrew his nomination. And provided that Al Franken emerges victorious in the Minnesota recount, it would give Democrats in the Senate a 60th caucusing member, as New Hampshire's Democratic governor John Lynch would appoint Gregg's replacement. Well, this would certainly explain the Gregg's string of I Heart Obama articles.
But... Already, a GOP operative writes in to say: "No way that Gregg takes it." Why? Well, 60 seats; that's why.
Update: Make that two sources. Roll Call saying much the same.
Update2x: Think about it. Gregg's been in political life forever, and been senator forever. He hasn't faced a serious challenge since 1992. He doesn't have an insurmountable CoH. His approvals are just above 50%. He is in the advanced stage of his career. Why would he want the fight of his life on his hands? Why wouldn't he want a closer spot to the president's ear on his biggest passion, entitlement reform? And have a greater position of power within the Administration to influence the "re-do" of the bailout that went so badly the first time. Remember, Gregg was the bailout's biggest senate cheerleader, but what Bush did with it after passage was beyond his control, and that fallout caused political damage.
Plus, he's been conspicuously out there in the media praising Obama. And finally, Gregg does what's best for Gregg, not for Mitch McConnell (note the lack of any real leadership position other than budget minority chair). This is a fantastic way out of a sticky situation for Judd.
And here's another thought - doesn't this just give John E. the opening Pater Sununu, now at the helm of the NHGOP, would relish?
Update3x: It just keeps getting better and better - Politico: Asked earlier Thursday whether he'd ever been offered the Commerce job, Gregg told Politico: "I am not at liberty to discuss that."
Update4x: In case you're coming to us on the heels of this news and aren't a BH regular, feel free to peruse our Judd Gregg tag, but be aware that it's not pretty.
Update5x: Even DiStaso's shut out, which just makes me more optimistic this is a go: A source close to Gregg said his staff and others are "under a hard no comment" ordered by the senator.
Update6x: C'mon, John E., stop hiding behind anonymity :). LA Times: The GOP aide, who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak publicly on the matter, suggested that a deal could be worked out in which Lynch agrees to appoint a Republican successor.
"There might be an agreement reached where the Democratic governor does not appoint a Democratic replacement," the aide said.
Update7x: More "source" spin hints that the Symantec guy is on the outs. Reuters: Just last week, Silicon Valley executive John Thompson had been the leading contender, but the Obama selection team apparently backed off in favor of Gregg, the source said. But then the same source spouts this nonsense, so who knows?But the source predicted Lynch would more likely appoint a Republican, saying that naming a fellow Democrat "could be a highly unpopular move in the state." I could easily see Lynch appointing a Republican, but not because it would be "highly unpopular" in NH to put a Dem in. That's absurd on its face.
Update8x: In CQ, Rockefeller hints this news has been around longer than we know, and Reid, oy, will miss one of his "best friends": Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV , the West Virginia Democrat who leads the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said he had heard the possibility that Gregg's name was being floated for Commerce secretary. "It was mentioned on the floor a couple of times, just informally," Rockefeller said. "That name is now floating - as you know - and I know very well that we don't have a Commerce secretary."
Reid signaled support for Gregg, saying "He's one of my best friends in the Senate," said the majority leader. "He'd be competent doing whatever he wants to do."
Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad , D-N.D., said it would be a "considerable loss to the committee and to the Senate if he were to leave." Conrad added that Gregg could excel at the Commerce post because "he is hard-working, he's got excellent judgment and he's got a very good understanding of the economic condition of the country." I think the quote from Conrad, Gregg's long nemesis (and working partner) is a tell - he'd likely be thrilled to have him be bumped to another branch of gov't. It reads like a teacher recommendation letter for a high school senior applying to college. |
