First things first: Judd Gregg has confirmed that he's under consideration:"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. "Beyond that there is nothing more I can say at this time."
Ambinder's sources tell him Gregg's not just one of many, but maybe the one: The White House isn't commenting, but my understanding that Gregg is a leading candidate for the job, not just a regular candidate.
...The White House understands that Gregg's successor might be a Republican; Gregg understands that the White House does not object to this possibility, which is one reason why Gregg is taking the call to serve so seriously. Speaking of Republican appointments, Pindell weighs in via Political Wire:Pindell notes that Gov. John Lynch (D), who would choose Gregg's replacement in the Senate, "is the type of guy that would pick a Republican just because he is replacing a Republican and to bone up his bi-partisan credibility. Lynch has yet to comment on the issue -- heck Gregg has yet to be appointed -- but right now the money is on former Gov. Walter Peterson (R). He was chair of the 'Republicans for Lynch' committee, would vote with Democrats as much as Maine's Senators do, and most likely wouldn't run in 2010." Now where have I heard that theory before?
And along those lines, CQ has firmer language about a Republican appointment than anyone other outlet, though I'm not sure I buy it at this point: Gregg is negotiating with New Hampshire Gov. Jim Lynch, a Democrat, to appoint a Republican as his replacement, according to Democratic leadership aides. They say it is the only way Gregg would take the job.
...Lynch spokesman Colin Manning would not confirm whether Gregg was negotiating with the governor to appoint a Republican as a potential replacement.
"This is between Sen. Gregg and the White House," Manning said.
And the NYT makes my heart flutter: The White House hopes to make the announcement for Commerce Secretary next Monday or Tuesday, with the precise date depending upon F.B.I background checks. To think, two long years of tracking Sununu, and now we could be bidding adieu to the other one just a couple weeks after inauguration day, followed by an appointment and quite possibly a special election in the House.
And here I thought this would be an off-year for BH. |
