Sen Gregg Is Top Pick for Commerce

Sen Judd Gregg (R-NH) has emerged as President Barack Obama's top choice for commerce secretary, with an announcement coming as soon as Monday, an Obama administration official and lawmakers said Sunday. The expected move won backing from key Republican leaders, smoothing the way for the longtime fiscal conservative to take the post, if offered. Some Republican leaders had urged Sen. Gregg not to take the job because of concerns that his departure could tip the balance of power in the Senate in favor of Democrats. If Sen. Gregg is appointed as commerce secretary, New Hampshire's Democratic governor could appoint a Democrat to take his seat. The Democrats hope to gain another Senate seat when the Minnesota race is settled; Democrat Al Franken currently leads in that race. Republicans on Sunday suggested that their concerns over Sen. Gregg's seat had been worked out. "Sen. Gregg has told me that if he were to take this appointment, it would not alter the makeup of the Senate in terms of the majority and the minority," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said. Sen Gregg helped shepherd last year's $700 billion financial-rescue package to final approval. He has been a proponent of reforming Social Security and controlling federal spending.