Gov Locke Nominated for Secretary of Commerce

The following comment is based off the White House Blog (WHB) entry http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/03/05/The-Locke-President-Obama-Picked/

Well, Governor Locke has been nominated by Obama as the third choice for Secretary of Commerce, remember Bill Richardson and Judd Gregg? All in all, this doesn't seem like a bad appointment. While we will probably hear quite a bit how Locke is Chinese American and was the first Chinese American governor of Washington, his background is admittedly a little different than the last few people in this position. Many of the previous Secretary's have had actual business management experience or business administration experience. That isn't to say that being Governor of a state isn't a qualifying position or being on the House Appropriations Committee before he was governor. It just seems he is a little weak on actual business management experience. I can't help but ask, is he really qualified. But then again, what does the Secretary of Commerce do? Right, he is supposed to forster commerce domestically and abroad. Does his appointment forshadow a closer economic relationship with China? Also, he originally supported Hillary. Bonus: Locke was an Eagle Scout.

Also of interest is the first two choices prior to landing on the Eagle Scout. First, Bill Richardson was put forward who ultimately withdrew after federal investigations into his political activity came to light. Gregg resigned due to conflictes regarding the recovery act and other policy issues. I am more interested in the political ramifications of choosing Gregg. If Gregg had been chosen, as he is largely an independent, his replacement, if a democrat, would have given the Senate Democrats a super majority. Perhaps we should be glad we landed on the Eagle Scout.