Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) confirmed that he is under consideration to become Secretary of Commerce in the Obama administration, but refused to comment beyond that.
“I am aware that my name is one of those being considered by the White House for Secretary of Commerce, and am honored to be considered, along with others, for the position,” Gregg said in a statement.
“Beyond that there is nothing more I can say at this time,” he added.
Gregg would be the second and most senior Republican lawmaker to join the Obama administration after Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.) agreed to become Secretary of Transportation. Gregg is up for reelection in 2010, in a race expected to be difficult. Should Gregg accept the Commerce position, it would leave open another Republican-held seat in a competitive state.