Obama Nominates Sen. Judd Gregg to be Commerce Secretary
Photos by Caroline Bridges
COMMERCE
New Hampshire Union Leader
Jillian Jorgensen
Boston University Washington News Service
February 3, 2009
WASHINGTON— Announcing the nomination of Sen. Judd Gregg to serve as commerce secretary Tuesday morning, President Barack Obama cited Gregg’s reputation for strict fiscal discipline and ability to work in a bi-partisan way to get things done as the reasons for his choice.
“As one of the Republican Party’s most respected voices and skillful negotiators, Judd is a master of reaching across the aisle to get things done. He’ll be an outstanding addition to the depth and experience of my economic team, a trusted voice in my Cabinet, and an able and persuasive ambassador for industry who makes it known to the world that America is open for business,” Obama said.
Obama announced the New Hampshire Republican’s appointment in the Grand Foyer of the White House, flanked by Gregg on his right and Vice President Joe Biden on his left. It came after days of speculation over whether Gregg would be nominated and who Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat, would appoint to replace him in the Senate.
“This is not a time when we should stand in our ideological corners and shout at each other. This is a time to govern and govern well,” Gregg said. “And therefore, when the President asked me to join his administration and participate in trying to address the issues of this time, I believed it was my obligation to say yes, and I look forward to it with enthusiasm.”
Gregg spoke briefly in the Grand Foyer, beneath a large, elaborate chandelier surrounded by portraits of former presidents including John F. Kennedy, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
The White House also announced Tuesday that former Sen. Tom Daschle withdrew him name as nominee for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services after information about his delinquent tax payments was revealed.
Obama cited Gregg’s familiarity with the Commerce Department as one of the reasons for his choice. When the Republicans were in the majority in the Senate, Gregg chaired the Senate Budget Committee and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. He also has chaired the Appropriations Committee’s Commerce subcommittee.
“Clearly, Judd and I don’t agree on every issue, most notably who should have won the election,” Obama said. “But we agree on the urgent need to get American businesses and families back on their feet. We see eye to eye on conducting the nation’s business in a responsible, transparent, and accountable manner. And we know the only way to solve the great challenges of our time is to put aside stale ideology and petty partisanship, and embrace what works.”
Gregg also spoke briefly of the “agreement” made by Lynch in regards to filling his Senate seat should Gregg be confirmed to the Commerce Department position.
“I also want to thank the governor of New Hampshire for his courtesy and courage in being willing to make this possible through the agreement that we have relative to my successor in the Senate,” Gregg said.
The announcement comes as the administration is seeking bi-partisan support for Obama’s proposed economic stimulus plan, which received no support from Republicans in the House.
“People are worried about their jobs. They’re worried about how they’re going to pay their bills. They’re worried about how they’re going to send their kids to college. And you’ve outlined an extraordinarily bold and aggressive, effective and comprehensive plan for how we can get this country moving,” Gregg said.
Neither Obama nor Gregg took questions after the brief announcement, which lasted less than 10 minutes.
During a conference call with reporters after the announcement, Gregg said he will probably not participate in shaping or voting on the stimulus package in the Senate as he awaits confirmation.
Republicans in both houses of Congress, including Gregg, have expressed concern over the spending in the plan. But Gregg has also spoken often about the need to pass a large stimulus plan.
In outlining Gregg’s political history – from his father’s election as New Hampshire’s youngest governor to Gregg’s own career as a member of the House of Representatives, governor and then U.S. senator – Obama also commented on Gregg’s reputation as a fiscal conservative.
“Judd is famous – or infamous, depending on your perspective – on Capitol Hill for his strict fiscal discipline. It’s not that he enjoys saying ‘no’ – although if it’s directed at your bill you might feel that way –it’s that he shares my deep-seated commitment to guaranteeing that our children inherit a future they can afford,” Obama said.
Gregg is the third Republican nominated to Obama’s cabinet, joining Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Gregg’s nomination will be considered first by the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, before moving to the floor of the Senate for a full vote on his confirmation. Sen. John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), committee chairman, said in a statement Tuesday that he supported Gregg’s nomination.
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