Congressional Quarterly
reports that President Obama is considering nominating Republican Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire for Commerce secretary.
Appointing Gregg to the Commerce Department would not only add another well-regarded policymaker to Obama's administration, but it would likely give Democrats the one extra vote they need to eliminate Senate Republicans' filibuster threat. New Hampshire law would allow Democratic Gov. John Lynch to appoint a replacement, and he would most likely hand the seat to a Democrat. Should Democrats prevail in the contested recount in Minnesota, they would hold 60 seats, enough to override a Republican filibuster.
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Of course, Republicans say they would likely pressure Gregg to turn
down the appointment. Minority Whip Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., told CQ
nominating Gregg would be "a pretty sneaky, sneaky move to get a really
good person as Commerce secretary and put us in a bind politically."
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Bill McConnell
