Lynch would appoint a Republican to Gregg’s seat

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch (D) indicated Monday that he will appoint a Republican to fill Sen. Judd Gregg’s (R-N.H.) seat if President Obama nominates the senator to be his Commerce secretary.

{mosads}“I have had conversations with Sen. Gregg, the White House and U.S. Senate leadership,” Lynch said in a statement. “Sen. Gregg has said he would not resign his seat in the U.S. Senate if it changed the balance in the Senate. Based on my discussions, it is clear the White House and Senate leadership understand this as well.”

“It is important,” Lynch went on, “that President Obama be able to select the advisers he feels are necessary to help him address the challenges facing our nation.”

Gregg, the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, emerged as the leading candidate for Commerce secretary last week. Obama’s first choice for the post, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D), removed himself from consideration amid a grand jury investigation into whether New Mexico awarded state contracts to companies after they contributed to Richardson’s political committees. Richardson has denied any wrongdoing.