GOP senator considered for commerce post

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Republican Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire confirmed Friday that he is under consideration to be nominated for U.S. secretary of commerce.

Gregg released a brief statement saying that he is "honored" to be among President Obama's candidates for the post, Politico reported. A White House spokesman said that Obama has not yet made a decision.

If Gregg leaves the Senate, his replacement is likely to be a Democrat. Assuming Al Franken is seated as the next Minnesota senator, the Democrats would then have 60 seats, leaving the party immune to Republican filibusters.

One Senate source has suggested the White House may be floating Gregg's name as "a weather (trial) balloon," Politico said.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he has heard that Gregg is seriously under consideration.

Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl, R-Ariz. called a possible Gregg nomination to the Cabinet a "pretty sneaky move" and said he wouldn't want to see Gregg leave the Senate.