Obama names Gregg as Commerce choice

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama introduced fiscal disciplinarian Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., as his nominee to be Commerce Department chief Wednesday.

"Judd is famous ... on Capitol Hill for his strict fiscal discipline," Obama said. "It's not that enjoys saying 'no' ... it's that he shares my deep-seated commitment to guaranteeing that our children inherit a future they can afford."

Noting he and Judd don't agree on every issue, Obama said: "But we do agree on the urgent need to get American businesses and families back on their feet. ... And we know the only way to solve the great challenges of our time is to put aside stale ideology and petty partisanship, and embrace what works."

If confirmed, Judd would be the third Republican in the Obama cabinet, joining Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Gregg was nominated after Obama's first choice, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson withdrew from consideration because of a federal investigation into his administration.

"We are ... in the middle of a very difficult economic time," Gregg said. "And you've outlined an extraordinarily bold and aggressive, effective and comprehensive plan for how we can get this country moving."

Saying now wasn't the time for partisanship, Gregg said, "This is a time to govern and govern well."

Gregg also thanked New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch "for his courtesy and courage in being willing to make this possible through the agreement that we have relative to my successor in the Senate."

Lynch indicated he would appoint a Republican to fill Gregg's seat once it is vacated so as not to change the balance in the Senate.