Obama Chooses Locke as Commerce Secretary
February 25, 2009 by Kori Ellis
Filed under Business
U.S. President Barack Obama formally nominated former Washington Governor Gary Locke for commerce secretary on Wednesday. Locke was Obama’s third choice for the job.
Image: Newscom
His first nomination was New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. Richardson withdrew his name amidst fearing a federal investigation would delay the process. Obama’s second choice was Republican Senator Judd Gregg (New Hampshire). Nine days after the President announced his nomination, Gregg also withdrew, citing policy differences. He went on to vote against the stimulus bill.
Locke hopes to concentrate on technology and expanding markets for U.S. goods, creating jobs and increasing entrepreneurship.
“The Department of Commerce can and will create the jobs and economic vitality that our country needs,” Locke said today at the White House.
After Locke’s nomination, the only open cabinet post is that of secretary of health and human services. After Tom Daschle’s withdrawal, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius is the front runner.
Source: Bloomberg
