January 31, 2009
— DrewM Looks like Democrats are going to get their 60 Senate seats after all. If Gregg is named and confirmed, the Democratic Governor of New Hampshire will fill the seat. Add in Al Franken at some point and the RINOs won't even be getting some nominal payoff for braking ranks on filibusters.
So instead of a safe seat in 2010 (Gregg won reelection in '04 with 66% of the vote, while Kerry carried the state), Republicans will have to field a challenger against an appointed incumbent.
Did I mention how Awesome that is?
In fairness it will be tough to beat up Gregg too much. It would be hard to say no for partisan reasons to any President when they say they need and want you to serve. Still, it sucks for Republicans.
Adding to the fun...not only does it hurt Republicans in the Senate, it makes Obama look all the more bipartisan especially in light of Republicans saying no to the so-called "stimulus" bill. Well played Mr. President. Well played.
*I changed the headline from 'Likely' to 'Leading Candidate' to reflect what the story says. I'm not sure there's much difference but, like Obama retaking the oath, I did it out of an abundance of caution.
Posted by: DrewM at
07:15 AM
| Comments (90)
Post contains 230 words, total size 2 kb.
Posted by: Damiano at January 31, 2009 07:18 AM (cfKer)
Posted by: Annie at January 31, 2009 07:18 AM (g+A6A)
Posted by: Reiver at January 31, 2009 07:21 AM (HFT94)
Posted by: Ken at January 31, 2009 07:21 AM (2LCD6)
He's a Republican and would get crucified for it, no pass go, not collect his cabinet seat and return to the Senate where he's needed.
Posted by: Damiano at January 31, 2009 07:22 AM (cfKer)
Anyone who serves in this Admin is suspect.
Would you take a job from President Obama? Would Jesus?
Posted by: Moderate Pub at January 31, 2009 07:22 AM (E3ea4)
Posted by: davis,br at January 31, 2009 07:22 AM (OJAxK)
Posted by: naperville at January 31, 2009 07:22 AM (ZVGHf)
Posted by: BrianA at January 31, 2009 07:22 AM (iWPFj)
Posted by: the real joe at January 31, 2009 07:23 AM (2t2zK)
Posted by: DPR Hussein VIII at January 31, 2009 07:24 AM (4XUD3)
And, the Stimulus Plan turn Economic Recovery Plan, etc. etc., is doomed anyway in its present form.
Congratulations to Senator Gregg. Let's hope he can make some sense out of a horrible Obama Administration.
Posted by: Sebastian B. O. Bunionstow IV. at January 31, 2009 07:25 AM (NLtVk)
"Oh my God, LOOK! A huge distraction!"
It would be the bipartisan thing to do.
Posted by: El Kabong at January 31, 2009 07:25 AM (41KxF)
Posted by: blaster at January 31, 2009 07:28 AM (vnJkO)
I bet if you life the head off the Lincoln bust in the background, there's a hooka embedded in the neck.
First he dumps the "jackets in the Oval Office" rule, now I guess you don't have to shave your pre-pubescent mustache off either.
Posted by: Damiano at January 31, 2009 07:29 AM (cfKer)
Posted by: richard mcenroe at January 31, 2009 07:29 AM (DBS+D)
Posted by: Annie at January 31, 2009 07:29 AM (g+A6A)
Also, the story says Gregg confirms he's being considered. I would feel a lot better if he said "I was asked and I declined." Cockholster.
Posted by: blaster at January 31, 2009 07:29 AM (vnJkO)
Jeebus. Yet another NE Republican looking to sell out the party. For what?
Posted by: blaster at January 31, 2009 12:28 PM (vnJkO)
A salty cow and a couple of magic beans...
If Mitch McConnell doesn't pull his head out of his ass soon, he's gonna be the last Republican in the Senate...
Posted by: El Kabong at January 31, 2009 07:31 AM (41KxF)
His record appears to be somewhat mixed but not as bad as the two moonbats from Vermont.
I hope he turns it down. It is a nothing position anyway.
Posted by: Vic at January 31, 2009 07:31 AM (f6os6)
No it won't. Secretary of Commerce? Give up your senate seat for a crap ass cabinet position? One for which he can be terminated at any given time basically?
It won't be hard at all. Politically and personally it's a stupid move.
Why the fuck would anybody of either party give up a senate seat for a cabinet position anyway? Outside of AG, State, Defense and Treasury they are jokes.
Basically you are a water carrier for the President anyway.
Posted by: Rocks at January 31, 2009 07:32 AM (3RHzM)
All Gregg has to say is that while he is honored to have been considered, he feels he can best serve his state right where he is. There are hundreds or thousands of people who could competently fill that post.
Posted by: Deuce Geary at January 31, 2009 07:36 AM (Q285d)
Especially if it means the media will like me again.
Chrissy, call me!
Posted by: John McClusterfuck Hussein McCain at January 31, 2009 07:38 AM (4XUD3)
If the situation were reversed we'd kill the Democrat who refused.
Bush could have easily done this. If he had nominated Lieberman to head up Homeland Security at some point, the Republican Governor of Connecticut would have appointed his replacement.
And that's just one example. Why Norm Fucking Minetta as the token Democrat? Why not a Senator from Montana or Colorado or some otherwise red state? Just because we don't play hardball like this doesn't mean we should complain when others do.
Posted by: DrewM. at January 31, 2009 07:39 AM (hlYel)
Why would Sen. Gregg want to take this position (excluding 15 minutes of fame and a book deal)? Simple, the Messiah asked him:
"What profit an NE Republican to stay loyal to his party and serve as a speed bump for My agenda in the Senate, yet lose the precious gem of a position in My esteemed Cabinet?"
Posted by: mitthrawnurdo at January 31, 2009 07:40 AM (9hSKh)
Democrat governor John Lynch will pick a replacement and I wonder what party he'll chose from?
Posted by: Kaptain Amerika at January 31, 2009 07:41 AM (zAt/g)
"Suck my dick, Mr. President" Preferably live on CSPAN.
Politely decline consideration in an email....with about 6 or 7 really nasty Trojans attached.
Go out onto the Senate floor, request permission to "revise and extend my remarks", drop trou and leave a big steamer on Obama's offer letter.
New YouTube channel, nothing but videos of Sen. Gregg laughing his ass off.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 31, 2009 07:42 AM (MKNSy)
Posted by: deadrody at January 31, 2009 07:43 AM (TxMs4)
Posted by: CoolCzech at January 31, 2009 07:44 AM (iafWn)
Posted by: CoolCzech at January 31, 2009 07:45 AM (iafWn)
Posted by: Fresh Air at January 31, 2009 07:45 AM (DmkGY)
Posted by: deadrody at January 31, 2009 07:46 AM (TxMs4)
I agree... the only republican that has any right to stay in that administration is Gates and only because he can help protect us from Obama.
Posted by: Kaptain Amerika at January 31, 2009 07:48 AM (zAt/g)
Better yet, privately accept the nom, then when he does the presser (which will be heavily televised *LIVE* because of it's "bipartisan" character), vehemently decline the position while outlining the scenario, complete with disparaging remarks about the new President's competence and honesty.
All while Bambi is standing right next to the podium trying to keep his cool.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 31, 2009 07:49 AM (MKNSy)
Period.
Posted by: Thea at January 31, 2009 07:53 AM (N0hv7)
Posted by: CDR M at January 31, 2009 07:53 AM (TJoU6)
Posted by: solitary knight at January 31, 2009 07:56 AM (WF4k9)
Posted by: bandit at January 31, 2009 08:00 AM (RsaX9)
Now, technically you could still have a filibuster, because some Democrats might sign on, but in reality that's just not gonna happen.
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 31, 2009 08:07 AM (PQY7w)
Gregg would have all the power he wanted to attend Rotary Club dinners, but not much else.
Posted by: XBradTC at January 31, 2009 08:08 AM (dl5pO)
Posted by: Fresh Air at January 31, 2009 08:15 AM (DmkGY)
Hold your horses. Gregg's office has said he won't take the job unless he can be assured a Republican will get his Senate seat. Nevermind that mess of what happen regarding senatorial appointments in Illinois?
He'd also be an ideological misfit in the Obama administration and would likely be marginalized and superceded on any policy ideas.
Gregg would also instantly throw away all goodwill (and he has a lot) among conservatives and become another lowly Benedict Jeffords Arnold in his own party.
So I bet the whole thing is a non-starter; a political dance to benefit Obama and Gregg temorarily.
I can't imagine he'd really go to Commerce. Stranger things have happened, though.
Posted by: Cowboy at January 31, 2009 08:20 AM (0u7vW)
Posted by: kasper at January 31, 2009 08:26 AM (+pMZ4)
Posted by: George Orwell at January 31, 2009 08:26 AM (AZGON)
He needn't get too excited about the 'honor' of serving when his President needs him. He's calculating and petulant...a particularly dispicable set of characteristics. AND...should he forget about the way he's treated his former opponent on the Democratic ticket, someone should remind him that sure, he offered Hillary the SOS seat, but his pal Joey (his wife actually) made sure to announce oh-so-publicly that it was he who was first offered the job.
Now, add to that the fact that the campaign staffer who referred to Hillary as a "monster" has now been given a State Department job which actually requires that she TRAVEL WITH HILLARY!
What a son-of-a-bitch.
Posted by: jmflynny at January 31, 2009 08:29 AM (Wv7vH)
He'll accept the position if offered. Being the Sec Def is a step up for a middle of the pack Senator. It's a smart career move, a few years as the Sec Def, and assuming no major screw ups, he can retire to one of those secure teaching jobs in Harvard where the One has connections.
You could hardly fault him for accepting and you really shouldn't expect him to sacrifice his own career for the Party. William S Cohen likewise was a Rupublician Senator before serving as Clinton's Sec Def.
Don't expect the Marvick to be offered a cabinet post though, the old fxxt is too smart to leave his steady job and too valuable to the One as the unofficial minority whip rounding up those squishy Republicians.
Posted by: canuk at January 31, 2009 08:31 AM (flu/p)
Posted by: jmflynny at January 31, 2009 08:32 AM (Wv7vH)
Posted by: Bill Grant at January 31, 2009 08:32 AM (Z2+2W)
Um, Sununu was defeated in 08. Gregg is the last statewide elected Republican.
Posted by: DrewM. at January 31, 2009 08:34 AM (hlYel)
Posted by: jmflynny at January 31, 2009 08:34 AM (Wv7vH)
Posted by: Rick at January 31, 2009 08:39 AM (zncSj)
I'm not faulting Obama for trying it. Just the idea that there is actually some reason for Gregg to actually except other than he's ready to go anyway and this job has nice perks. As far as Lieberman I don't think he would have ever done it. Give up the Senate for that? No way. Would you leave the House of Lords for to push forms? Gregg should be gracious but it's an insult not an honor.
Posted by: Rocks at January 31, 2009 08:43 AM (3RHzM)
Posted by: kasper at January 31, 2009 08:44 AM (+pMZ4)
If Gregg goes for it..fuck 'em. He knows the cost to the party and that his seat will be filled by an appointed dem.
Posted by: Iggey Schnetz at January 31, 2009 08:46 AM (EHuj2)
Posted by: George Orwell at January 31, 2009 08:47 AM (AZGON)
Now, add to that the fact that the campaign staffer who referred to Hillary as a "monster" has now been given a State Department job which actually requires that she TRAVEL WITH HILLARY!
This is the first of many stabs at Hillary to get her to resign.
Posted by: Vic at January 31, 2009 08:47 AM (f6os6)
I should clarify...
Powers has been appointed 'Senior Director of Multilateral Affairs" at the national Security Council. Hillary Clinton will have to work directly with the person who called her a "monster".
Yeah. It's a jab, but I hardly think it's the first...or the last.
Posted by: jmflynny at January 31, 2009 08:51 AM (Wv7vH)
Posted by: George Orwell at January 31, 2009 08:55 AM (AZGON)
Posted by: jbarntt at January 31, 2009 08:59 AM (qSalV)
Drew, are you kidding? We'd kill any Democrat who refused such an offer?
Don't think so.
But it's a bold and baldly political move - if Obama gets Judd over and a Democrat in his place, it's true, he is surely more scared of Limbaugh than the Republican leadership. Shows he's got the R's number that Gregg is even considering it.
If Gregg sticks by this "I have to be replaced by a Republican" thing, expect negative material to come out and his nomination chances to go in the dumper.
And then, of course, his chances of reelection in 2010 take a downturn - for whatever negative stuff comes out, and with R's for playing footsie with Obama.
Well played, Mr President. Well played indeed.
Now, on our side - can't anybody here play this game?
Posted by: blaster at January 31, 2009 09:01 AM (vnJkO)
It was another not-too-dumb political move to assuage the anger amongst Hillary voters and, don't forget, she gracefully let the whole "help me pay back my campaign debt" angle. If he ran Hillary out of office with tactics such as these he could then take another jab at her for not being able to rise above.
Again, remember...petulant. That's the word that most often comes to mind when I think of Him.
Posted by: jmflynny at January 31, 2009 09:02 AM (Wv7vH)
anywho, she can step down and say nothing but we will all assume it is b.c of bad moves by Obama such as cutting DoD budget and not backing Israel
also in NYS she can take her seat back until the special election in 2010..
and if not we will elect her someplace else, we are with her whatever she wants to do, (that is good for the country )....
Gawd knows we need her to rebuild the party someday as it looks like everythign I feared is coming true..if the GOP can get by the media filter the people will have none of this in 2010, 2012
Posted by: ginaswo/MiM at January 31, 2009 09:22 AM (LHx9k)
Posted by: solitary knight at January 31, 2009 09:23 AM (WF4k9)
Drew, we're not complaining that the Dems are playing hardball -- we're just venting our concerns that the Republicans are going to act like their usual pussy selves and go along with it, thus getting the Messiah a filibuster-proof senate.
Posted by: OregonMuse at January 31, 2009 09:24 AM (XUV9W)
Posted by: Eric at January 31, 2009 09:45 AM (quZLX)
Weird? Not really. Amazing how a solid wall of Republican Reps saying "fuck you" to the Shit Sandwich changes things.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 31, 2009 09:54 AM (MKNSy)
Oh, it's New Hampshire's Republican voters you're speaking of.
Never mind.
Posted by: Greg Toombs at January 31, 2009 09:59 AM (URFAu)
True dat. I hope and pray Gregg says "fuck you" on the job offer.
Posted by: Eric at January 31, 2009 10:00 AM (quZLX)
Posted by: Fish at January 31, 2009 10:08 AM (CG+cG)
Jeebus, Symantec's CEO?
Thompson expanded Symantec's mission from computer security into data management. In 2005 he engineered the $13.5 billion acquisition of Veritas, which makes software products designed to secure business clients' data. It was one of the biggest acquisitions ever in the software industry.
In an interview with IBD in September, Thompson said he believed "you can't separate the security of the information from the management process of the information itself."
The Veritas deal, however, took awhile to jell. While many tech stocks soared until the late 2007 downturn, Symantec sputtered as profit growth nearly came to a halt. A series of good quarters has warmed Wall Street to Symantec again, even as it cools to the sector.
Umm, except it still sucks.
blaster <--- Not bitter at all about the Veritas acquisition.
Posted by: blaster at January 31, 2009 10:22 AM (vnJkO)
I live in NH. I emailed Gregg to not vote for the bail out, and to not take this cabinet job.
The MSM has lost focus on the Blago details...he was Obama's very close consort, they supported each other, every step of the way.
Blago's move to shove Burris down the throat of the senate WAS THE political play of the past 2 months...bare knuckles politics.
Obama has just one upped him. He pulls the last R off the New England region, puts his nuts in a jar, and controls the vote in the senate...
bare knuckles politics at it's best, even better... people are congratulating him for being so changey and bipartisan...people will be smoking cigarettes with Obama soon.
Posted by: ford at January 31, 2009 10:41 AM (Ki7fm)
Posted by: kbdabear at January 31, 2009 11:17 AM (miw86)
What's more likely to happen: that every single Republican in the Senate goes along with a filibuster against a popular president and Democrats in congress, or that at least one Democrat joins the Republicans in a filibuster? Do you really think that one guy is going to make a filibuster happen? With all the losers like Olympia Snowe in the senate with an R by their name? Seriously?
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at January 31, 2009 11:25 AM (PQY7w)
Posted by: Ombudsman at January 31, 2009 12:41 PM (fWF4Q)
Posted by: Jay Tea at January 31, 2009 12:50 PM (NLDtD)
Posted by: Surely, a ploy at January 31, 2009 12:51 PM (iDzUt)
Posted by: Harun at January 31, 2009 04:28 PM (RVEJX)
Remember the scene from It's A Wonderful Life, where Barack Hussein Potter has a meeting with Gregg Bailey, and offers Gregg a three year deal to become BHP's personal assistant and to travel the world on his projects. GB is tempted but then asks about Bailey's Company, and as he shakes BHP's hand he realizes the ulterior motive. GB could be fired at any time, and it would be a twofer because BHP could kill the Company at the same time. In this case, BHP wants to make the Senate impregnable for democraps while giving Gregg a temporary at will position where Gregg will have to justify trade with Iran, Cuba Syria and Venezuela, and damp down fires with China, Mexico and Canada over changes in US trade policies. If ever there were a job to be passed up, too little for too much harm to the politics of this country, this is it.
I also note that this is directly from the playbook of power at all costs that democraps use. Whenever a legislature is closely divided, the democraps Mayors or Governors (and now President) seek to oust a republican or two by nominating them to their cabinets, but the republicans usually are just for show, tokens if you will, and the dems feast on their newly enhanced power in the legislature. The good of the country and the GOP call for Gregg to turn down this ploy.
Posted by: eaglewingz08 at February 01, 2009 05:51 AM (qh8b9)
Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) wont accept a position as President Obamas secretary of Commerce unless he is guaranteed his Senate seat remains in GOP hands, said two Republicans who know Gregg well.
Departing the Senate without one could give Democrats 60 members and a filibuster-proof majority.
Gregg would never allow his seat to go to a Democrat, the only way he would allow it is if he died, said a Republican close to Gregg. He would consider it to be a breach of trust to people who elected it.
Republicans who know Gregg well say that Lynch must agree to select a Republican because Gregg, one of the most revered leaders in New Hampshire Republican politics, would not allow his seat to give Democrats filibuster-proof control of the Senate.
He will not take Commerce secretary unless Lynch says he will appoint a Republican, said the Republican close to Gregg.
Great news from Sen. Gregg. I hope this will help his reelection next year.
Posted by: eaglewingz08 at February 01, 2009 06:22 AM (qh8b9)
eaglewingzo8 (the Z makes it EXTREME, right?), read my post. Now the badness about Gregg will come out. Some smear tactic. He will be dropped for the smear, it will hurt his chances in 2010 as will his footsie playing with Obama.
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Posted by: commie at February 12, 2009 04:21 PM (IlUoY)
I firmly believe that most republicans are out of touch and have no sense of history. I also believe that deep down they are still pissed that someone other than a white man is in office. If this were not the case they would be able to get over themselves and stop trying to sabotage everything that WE need to accomplish. I think you closet racist need to be reminded that the deficit was tripled under a republican led congress and president and ohh yeah the size of government was increased as well and asked for a loan of 750 billion dollars which had no strings attached and did nothing to lossen up the credit freeze. I dont mean to sound crass but I think you guys dont care about this country.
I also notice that other than mocking the president for trying to get everybody to think about everybody and how we're all in this together all the Republicans can say is TAX CUTS!!!!!I am so sick of people breaking everything to on partisan lines. If someone was dying on the side of the road would you care what there political affliation was.... of course not!!!! Grow up and think that whether the solution comes from a democrat or a republican WE need to fix this as a country!!!!!DAMN get over yourselves and GROW UP
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