Politico: Gregg tight-lipped on Commerce

[Perky]

New Hampshire Republican Sen. Judd Gregg and his aides are tight-lipped about rumors that President Barack Obama is considering him for the still-open job of Commerce secretary.

But Democrats are delighted because it could mean they gain a pivotal seat.

Citing unidentified Senate sources, Roll Call reported Thursday evening that the Obama administration has been “floating the idea” of nominating Gregg to replace New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who withdrew his own nomination in December.

Asked earlier Thursday whether he’d ever been offered the Commerce job, Gregg told Politico: “I am not at liberty to discuss that.”

A spokeswoman for Gregg also declined to comment. A White House official would say only that Obama “has not made a decision” about the Commerce job.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18193.html

[Unsane]

1. Is Commerce Sec really > U.S. Senator? Especially when it'd award your oppenent 60 seats?

I can't believe Gregg is this dumb. Hope I'm wrong.

[Perky]

2. He does not want to lose the next election

[Unsane]

3. I guess that makes sense if he's up for re-election soon.

[jenmito]

4. Ed Henry just covered this on CNN and, of course, pointed out that there are probably

Repubs. pressuring him not to take it (IF he's offered-there are 2 Dems. also in the mix) so we won't have 60 Dems.

[bluestateguy]

5. I really doubt that he'd do this

John Breaux, a big of a DLCer as there is, was in a similar situation when he was offered a Cabinet post in the Bush Administration and LA had a Republican governor. Even he said no.

[AllentownJake]

7. Did he just watch his buddy go down in flames

in an election. Commerce Secreatary looks pretty good when you know your going to be in one hell of a re-election fight for opposing a President that won your state by pretty big numbers.

[Still Sensible]

6. Given his no vote on the SCHIP bill today

I suggest he has probably already decided he wouldn't take it... Wonder if the administration could find someone else in a similar situation.

[Thrill]

8. After reading up on the NH Governor. I no longer think this is a good idea

Sounds like this guy may just appoint another Repuke

[Life Long Dem]

9. Considering he crossed over in 6 of 7 the last votes...

Damn... no wonder he is favored!

[ShadowLiberal]

10. He's sure acting like he's got a serious offer he's thinking over

The fact that he's avoiding most conversation with the other senators, especially about the commerce secretary rumor, seems like strong evidence he's in serious discussions with the white house about the job.

[w4rma]

11. Good. (nt)