Granholm Top Choice for Energy Secretary: WSJ

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) appears to be a frontrunner to become Secretary of Energy in the Obama administration, according to a report Wednesday.

The two-term governor, currently ensconced in the effort to secure assistance for the troubled Big Three automakers headquartered in her state, would join reportedly join former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol Browner as part of the new administration’s energy and environmental policy team. Browner is said to have been chosen as Obama’s “energy czar.”

“Obviously an economic stimulus package is going to involve retrofitting buildings with energy efficiency,” Granholm told Dow Jones of her energy priorities for the Obama administration. “But for the longer term, having a strategic plan that develops these renewable energies and clean technologies are critical.”

Granholm’s departure could open the door for Reps. Pete Hoekstra (R) or Candice Miller (R) to pursue the state’s governorship.