Politics

Gregg Won't Leave Without A GOP Sub

February 2, 2009 / 4:15 PM EST / The Politico

New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg said Monday for the first time that he won’t accept an appointment as Secretary of Commerce unless he’s replaced by a Republican, confirming days of speculation and dashing Democratic hopes of obtaining a 60-seat majority.

“I have made it clear to the Senate leadership on both sides of the aisle and to the Governor that I would not leave the Senate if I felt my departure would cause a change in the makeup of the Senate,” said the three-term senator in a statement. “The Senate leadership, both Democratic and Republican, and the Governor understand this concern, and I appreciate their consideration of this position.”

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, in a coordinated statement, suggested he may fulfill Gregg’s wish.

"If President Obama does nominate Senator Gregg to serve as commerce secretary, I will name a replacement who will put the people of New Hampshire first and represent New Hampshire effectively in the U.S. Senate,” Lynch said in a statement issued Monday afternoon.

Lynch’s words, though vague, are being seen by New Hampshire political insiders as a signal he’s willing to abide by Gregg’s wishes and install a Republican caretaker in the seat.

Bonnie Newman, a former Gregg aide, academic and official in the Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations, is the top contender to take Gregg’s seat. A moderate Republican, Newman endorsed Lynch in his 2004 gubernatorial run.

In his statement, Gregg made no mention of President Obama.

But Lynch's comments appeared to contradict White House press secretary Robert Gibbs’ assertion at his briefing Monday that the White House has not been involved in the New Hampshire appointment or any other Senate appointments.

"I have had conversations with Senator Gregg, the White House and U.S. Senate leadership,” Lynch said. “Senator 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.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell made a similar statement Sunday on “Face the Nation,” indicating that Gregg had assured Senate Republicans that his departure would not change the partisan composition of the body.