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Ensign: I Told Gregg Not to Go to the Administration
Republicans truly did consider Sen. Judd Gregg (NH) one of their most effective strategists, both on policy and politics, and they'll miss him in leadership meetings now that Gregg has accepted the Commerce Secretary nod. As Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) acknowledged this morning on CNBC's "Kudlow & Cramer":
ENSIGN: To me, I told Judd this. I think Judd's one of our best strategists. He's a great thinker. And I think it's a mistake for him to leave the U.S. Senate.REPORTER: I was afraid of that. ... Come on, Senator, rally the troops. Unified bill. The time is now. Profiles in courage.
Here's a challenge: Can anyone name a substantive similarity between Obama's first choice for Commerce Secretary and his second one?
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Brian
At least we'll know who the mole on the inside (of the Cabinet) is when the GOP seems to be two steps ahead.
February 3, 2009 12:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
GOP always seems two steps ahead.
From CNN, story on Republicans releasing list of wasteful spending portions of the bill:
A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.
Obama's going out today to defend this?
February 3, 2009 12:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
1. Nope.
2. I would think a pro-business republican would be perfect for commerce, which is supposed to promote business. I would submit that gregg is probably better suited for the position than richardson was in any event. Richardson was more of a diplomat then a business person. He was better suited for state and I never understood him being appointed for commerce. It really didn't make sense to me.
February 3, 2009 12:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, finally, a good reason to appoint Gregg as Commerce Secretary. Weakens the "strategy" of Senate Republicans.
Can anyone explain what this:
is supposed to mean?
February 3, 2009 12:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama has to have a reason for this...he isn't a fool. As much as I hate all of this "bipartisan" bullshit, I can't help but feel that Obama knows what he is doing, and it looking at a broader strategy, the long view.
Anyway, I'm not too worried about Gregg, he will be working for Obama, and will have to do what Obama wants whether he likes it or not. If he doesn't like it, he can try running for his seat again in the next primary.
February 3, 2009 12:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
06/21/2006 Voted to increase min wage
I assume Richardson would have voted yes
February 3, 2009 12:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Commerce Secretary has long been a plumb for top party politicos...Ron Brown...Harry Hopkins...Robert Mosbacher..Maurice Stans...Mickey Cantor...Don Evans
No longer that's for sure
February 3, 2009 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
When Richardson was nominated for Commerce Secretary it was seen as a consolation prize. Now that a Republican has it, it's a big deal?
February 3, 2009 1:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Re the challenge on the similarities between Obama's two picks for Commerce Secretary:
They both played minor league ball in the Kansas City Athletics organization. Oh, wait...
February 3, 2009 1:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Elected Governor.
Judd Gregg (leaving Sen R-NH) was once Gov. Gregg (R-NH).
Like Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM)
February 3, 2009 2:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Another similarity:
Both Gregg and Richardson were in the House during Reagan, under Tip O'Neill
February 3, 2009 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink