This is very cool, unexpected news... According to a White House official, President Barack Obama's latest top choice to fill the job of Commerce Secretary is none other than former Washington Governor Gary Locke: The Latest Choice for Commerce? Ex-Governor Locke. More here: Obama likely to name Locke to Commerce.
The former governor is the Obama's administration third choice for the post, after Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico dropped out because of a federal investigation into state contracting and Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, withdrew his nomination citing philosophical differences with the president.
Locke made history in 1996 when he was elected the first Chinese American governor in the United States, and was widely regarded as a rising star in the Democratic party. In 2003, he was chosen to give the Democrats' response to George W. Bush's State of the Union address.
He served two terms before stepping down after the 2004 election, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. So it's been a while since we've heard from him in a major government role, but I think this will be a welcome return.
At the moment, he's considered the "likely" nominee, pending final vetting checks. You know the President's people are checking the hell out of him, because you certainly don't want a third guy unexpectedly dropping out for whatever reason. He confirmed, Locke will be one of three Asian Americans in Obama's cabinet. Excuse me, but how cool is that?
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