Third time’s the charm?
Gary Locke
Once again, President Barack Obama has named his nominee to head the Department of Commerce.
Former Washington Governor Gary Locke is Obama’s pick to run the department. The main goal of the United States Department of Commerce is to promote economic growth.
Job description
If the Senate approves Locke, he will oversee many operations, including international trade, oceans policy and the 2012 Census. According to the Associated Press:
Obama praised Locke … as a man who shares his vision for turning around the moribund economy, and as someone who is committed to doing what it takes to keep the American dream alive.
Commerce Department saga
Obama nominated his first choice for Commerce Secretary, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, shortly after the November election. However, the Democrat withdrew from consideration amid allegations of wrongdoing regarding contract awards in his state.
This month, Obama nominated Republican Senator Judd Gregg, from New Hampshire, for the position. As negotiations over the economic stimulus package began to wrap up, Gregg also withdrew his name from consideration. He said he had “irresolvable conflicts” with Obama’s policies.
A little about Locke
Locke served as governor of the state of Washington from 1997 to 2005. Now he works for a law firm in Seattle. He deals with issued involving China, energy and governmental relations. He was the United States’ first Chinese-American governor.
More trouble to come?
Tom Daschle, former nominee for health and human services secretary
Obama has faced many obstacles in the pursuit of filling his cabinet. He has run into trouble trying to find a Health and Human Services secretary because of controversy regarding nominees’ taxes.
Locke is no different when it comes to past accusations. In 1997, his political committee was fined for breaking campaign finance laws. In March 1998 he was accused of unlawfully taking $10,000 in campaign contributions from a Buddhist church. State investigators cleared Locke of wrongdoing.
Gary Locke was an excellent governor for the Evergreen State, and would make an excellent pick for Commerce Secretary..if he paid his taxes!