WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has crossed the political aisle, selecting Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., to be his commerce secretary, CNN reported Monday.
Two unnamed administration sources told the network Gregg has accepted the Democratic president's offer to join his Cabinet and an announcement was expected Tuesday morning.
Gregg's departure from the Senate would mean New Hampshire's Democratic governor would pick his replacement. If a Democrat is named to replace Gregg, the party would have a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.
CNN said the Senate's top Republican had said Sunday that Gregg had assured him he would not join the Obama administration if it further strengthened the Democrats' hold in the upper house.
Last month, Obama had designated New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to the Commerce post. But Jan. 4, Richardson withdraw his nomination because of an investigation into allegations of improper business dealings in New Mexico.
