BOSTON GLOBE - JUDD GREGG TO COMMERCE?

Gregg leading candidate for Secretary of Commerce


By Michael Kranish
Globe Staff
WASHINGTON -- Senator Judd Gregg moved closer today to being nominated Secretary of Commerce after an administration official said the New Hampshire Republican had become President Barack Obama’s “leading candidate” for the job.
The official, who was authorized to speak only on condition of anonymity, spoke from a prepared comment, furthering the perception that Obama could pick Gregg soon. The official declined to say whether Gregg had been offered the job or whether a final decision had been made. No announcement is expected until Monday at the earliest.
If past Cabinet nominations are a guide, Obama’s aides put out word about a leading candidate as part of the vetting process, in part to see if the report of a possible pick turns up any surprises and to gauge reaction. One reaction so far has come from Republicans who fear they would lose a seat to the opposition party...

Full article at: http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/01/gregg_leading_c.html