* It is extremely unlikely that Obama floated this idea to the Senate leaders et alii without also talking to Gregg, who himself openly says to the press that he regularly is in contact with the Adminsitration on economic issues.
* Gregg has issued a stiff "no comment" to all outlets. (Update: he's "honored" to be under consideration.)
* The likely conclusion? Whether or not Gregg is offered or takes the job, he was/is open to it.
That will have political ramifications for him regardless of the outcome.
*** The race to 60: The Judd-Gregg-for-Commerce-Secretary story is very real. Senate Republicans are upset that he hasn't put the story to bed. So clearly he's pondering. One sticking point is that New Hampshire has a Dem governor, John Lynch, and that could give Democrats 60 seats if Gregg leaves and Al Franken eventually wins. One idea floating out there is a deal between Obama/Gregg and Lynch to appoint a caretaker Republican (perhaps ex-Sen. Warren Rudman?). Even if he doesn't take the job, Gregg is certainly sending the signal that he doesn't want to run in 2010. That is a terrible sign for the Senate GOP. Another retirement makes the idea of netting a single seat in 2010 nearly impossible. This likely outcome in 2010 actually could mean Lynch and Obama are open to a deal that keeps a Republican in the seat until November 2010, since getting that 60th Senate seat in the coming years seems probable.
