Senator Gregg, who was Obama’s second choice for Commerce Secretary, has just withdrawn his name from consideration. Of paramount importance in this decision was Obama’s mandate that the 2010 census be placed under White House purview. This, of course, should never be done because it would do much to politicize the census and the data could be unfairly manipulated to sway the membership of both house and senate to Democrat majority indefinitely. This is not sensible in a two party system, let alone in a federal republic with democratic principles.
What does this mean to all conservatives? It means that we will have a staunch voice in the Senate going forward for spending controls that the Democrat-controlled congress and senate would love to be able to quash.
From Senator Gregg’s office, the following statement was released:
Judd Gregg abruptly pulls out of the process of becoming Commerce Secretary.
I want to thank the President for nominating me to serve in his Cabinet as Secretary of Commerce. This was a great honor, and I had felt that I could bring some views and ideas that would assist him in governing during this difficult time. I especially admire his willingness to reach across the aisle.
However, it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy.
Obviously the President requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiatives.
I greatly admire President Obama and know our country will benefit from his leadership, but at this time I must withdraw my name from consideration for this position.
As we move forward, I expect there will be many issues and initiatives where I can and will work to assure the success of the President’s proposals. This will certainly be a goal of mine.
Kathy and I also want to specifically thank Governor Lynch and Bonnie Newman for their friendship and assistance during this period. In addition we wish to thank all the people, especially in New Hampshire, who have been so kind and generous in their supportive comments.
As a further matter of clarification, nothing about the vetting process played any role in this decision. I will continue to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate.
I am very thankful that this didn’t work out because it tells me that Senator Judd Gregg will not compromise his principles just to have a cabinet position and that those of us who are conservatives can continue to enjoy at least one staunch republican who will stand up for conservative values against the onslaught of the unbridled Democrats who will surely spend us into oblivion.
politicalchick1