Chris Gregoire Commerce Secretary? Washington Governor's DC Trip Fuels Speculation

There were conflicting reports tonight that Washington Governor Christine Gregoire might replace Bill Richardson as President-elect Obama's pick for Commerce Secretary.

The Hill reported that Gregoire has reserved satellite television time at 9 a.m. Tuesday, which might portend an announcement about her future:

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) canceled a Tuesday lunch appearance with the Associated Press late Monday and two Washington State sources confirmed to The Hill she is in Washington, D.C. The governor's actions over the last 24 hours have triggered a wave of speculation in the Evergreen State that Gregoire could replace New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) as President-elect Obama's Commerce Secretary-designate.

Gregoire was reportedly on a plane Sunday, and multiple sources confirm she was in the nation's capital as late as Monday. A Gregoire spokesman vehemently denied she was set to take a position in Obama's cabinet, and said she was not still in D.C. late Monday night "as far as I know."

But The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder shot down the speculation:

I'm not sure why Gregoire is going to Washington, but Obama aides say Gregoire is not a candidate for commerce.

This rumor is: FALSE.

Comments

[adamnb]

With China growing into America's largest and most important trading partner, wouldn't it make sense to appoint a Chinese/American business person?

[shastaman]

Former Wash. state Gov. Garry Locke comes to mind

[AurigaRa]

and he has a GREAT sense of humor.

Would hate to lose Chris right after the election, and her replacement is scary

[leewa]

I absolutely agree. He was a very engaged Gov. who made no missteps and he has traveled extensively to the pacific rim on trade delegations on behalf of Washington state. I think he would be a better fit than Chris. Christine can be distant and wooden. She has been a good Gov. but not a charmer. The current budget crisis is real but cannot be laid at her feet. She has recently put forth a very unpopular but real-life budget that would minimize the state deficit. It takes a bit out of everyones pie so no body is happy. A hard but good decision.

[newshawk14]

This is an interesting development. I wrote on HuffPost that I thought she would be a much better
vice presidential choice than Hillary, and she has been a very good advocate for Washington state
trade. If she is nominated I hope she models herself after Ron Brown, who was a very effective
spokesman for US trade. Hate to lose her as our governor, however.

[jcwtts1]

is the lt gov a dem?

[fcsakes]

Yes.

[kitsapdem]

Uh - yes. How'd you miss that?