Gregg wants Senate seat kept with GOP

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Republicans close to U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., say he won't agree to become secretary of commerce unless his seat remains with the GOP.

"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, The Hill reported. "He would consider it to be a breach of trust to people who elected him."

Gregg has said President Barack Obama is considering him for the commerce position. Replacing him in the Senate with a Democrat would give Democrats 60 members and a filibuster-proof majority.

New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, a moderate Democrat, has the power to appoint someone to the seat if it is vacated.

Fergus Cullen, who this month stepped down as chairman of the New Hampshire Republican Party, said he doesn't believe Gregg will join Obama's Cabinet under any circumstances, The Hill reported.

"I don't think this makes sense," said Cullen. "If Gregg aspires to be member of the Cabinet, he had that opportunity during the Bush administration."