Judd Gregg: Not Without My Elephant
posted at 9:45 am on February 1, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Barack Obama figured out a clever way to give Harry Reid his 60-vote, filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Instead of continuing to raid Reid’s caucus for Cabinet appointees, Obama could find a Republican Senator whose seat was at serious risk in 2010, from a state where a Democratic governor would appoint the replacement. Obama gets some bipartisan credibility and Reid gets his final supermajority vote, while the Republican gets a golden parachute.
Unfortunately for Reid and Obama, Judd Gregg (R-NH) has not quite played along with Obama’s master plan:
Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) won’t accept a position as President Obama’s secretary of Commerce unless he is guaranteed his Senate seat remains in GOP hands, said two Republicans who know Gregg well.
Departing the Senate without one could give Democrats 60 members and a filibuster-proof majority.
“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. “He would consider it to be a breach of trust to people who elected it.” …
Republicans who know Gregg well say that Lynch must agree to select a Republican because Gregg, one of the most revered leaders in New Hampshire Republican politics, would not allow his seat to give Democrats filibuster-proof control of the Senate.
“He will not take Commerce secretary unless Lynch says he will appoint a Republican,” said the Republican close to Gregg.
Gregg has zero chance of getting any such commitment out of Lynch. Even if he did, he couldn’t hold Lynch to it after resigning the seat, although it might be difficult for Lynch to renege on a publicly stated commitment to appoint a Republican. Lynch would get attacked by his own party for making such a promise and attacked by Republicans if he broke it. As in the movie War Games, the only way for Lynch to win this one is not to play at all.
Republicans should hail Gregg for taking a stand. He still could win re-election in 2010, but it will be a tough race, and Republicans have mostly lost those over the last two election cycles. A Cabinet appointment would give Gregg some stability and an opportunity to wield real authority. Gregg can’t help but to find it attractive, but if The Hill has this right, Gregg’s choosing loyalty over personal enrichment.
If so, I wish we had a lot more politicians like Judd Gregg, regardless of political stripe. Hopefully, Harry Reid and Barack Obama will get stuck holding their 30 pieces of silver.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
This principled stand will help Lynch in his re-election effort.
jgapinoy on February 1, 2009 at 9:48 AM
LynchGreggduh
jgapinoy on February 1, 2009 at 9:49 AM
So much for a shameless power play!
grapeknutz on February 1, 2009 at 9:50 AM
Awesome. Go, Gregg.
Midas on February 1, 2009 at 9:50 AM
Amen to that.
KelliD on February 1, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Loud and sustained applause
anniekc on February 1, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Good to see he’s taking a stand.
aikidoka on February 1, 2009 at 9:52 AM
I can’t understand why Gregg would consider it. He’d be in charge of Commerce, and the whole Obama socialist plan is to put as much of the economy under government control as possible.
Being asked to serve your country is one thing, but to help turn it into a second rate socialist country on par with the Euros is another.
I wonder if this is another of Rahm’s genius ploys. He was the one who assured Obama the GOP would cave in the House on the stimulus bill. Rahm never considered how much the House GOP loathes him (Rahm). Nor perhaps, has Rahm considered how much the Senate GOP detests Reid.
Wethal on February 1, 2009 at 9:52 AM
Bravo senator!
rplat on February 1, 2009 at 9:53 AM
He will not take Commerce secretary unless Lynch says he will appoint a Republican,” said the Republican close to Gregg.
Don’t celebrate too early.
Lynch could simply appoint an unelectable R.
artist on February 1, 2009 at 9:54 AM
This is not confirmed yet, right? Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, Ed.
promachus on February 1, 2009 at 9:55 AM
More than that, Obama is stripping his cabinet of authority and thinks, according to one analysis, that the cabinet is outdated and that he needs more czars instead. So why go there?
Phoenician on February 1, 2009 at 9:56 AM
Tough call!! Lynch probably could not get re-elected without the GOP vote here in NH–but still would not trust Lynch too far. Keep his promise if it’s made? Wonder? Maybe he(Lynch)plans not to run again? No guarantees, too risky in my estimation. Also, Sec. of Commerce is at our many shades of gray,Obama’s charity. I would worry if I were Gregg, never trust an Obama!
jeanie on February 1, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Thanks for not playing along Senator Gregg. And New Hampshire, please don’t go the way of Vermont and Massachusetts. You are better than that. Do you really want to substitute your “Live Free or Die” to “Lay Down and Die“?
Mr. Joe on February 1, 2009 at 10:02 AM
The One wouldn’t appoint anyone unless they were a tax cheat, sold pardons or were connected to the cesspool in Chicago. Since Senator Gregg does not fit in any of those groups, this must have been a head fake.
BTW, does it look like the “Lord of the Lobes” is looking for absolute power of is it just me?
IlikedAUH2O on February 1, 2009 at 10:03 AM
The repeated whisperings of a “Shadow Cabinet” for BHO would also lend weight to Gregg’s turning down a Cabinet chair made of balsa.
Good on Gregg.
Ya know, I wonder what the Senate and House, and hey, even the White House would look like today if the Repubs had cohones like this?
Amendment X on February 1, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Absolutely. Two questions though 1. If this is true how soon can we expect to know publicly? If true where can we donate for his re-election campaign?
Ps.
I love this.
canditaylor68 on February 1, 2009 at 10:03 AM
That is the mantra of Hillary, I can’t wait until she brings out the knives.
izoneguy on February 1, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Obama might have to settle for Symantec CEO John Thompson, after all.
flipflop on February 1, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Oh well, just have to label Gregg a racist.
Bishop on February 1, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Judd Gregg is my Senator.
If he were choosing loyalty over personal enrichment, it would absolutely be the first time in his career. Judd Gregg cares more about Judd Gregg than he does his constituents here in New Hampshire.
We do NOT need more people in the Senate like Judd the Spud. Lord knows, we’ve got far too many like him already.
Our only DECENT Senator was John Sununu and, unfortunately, he didn’t win re-election this past November.
Judd needs to retire and let a REAL Republican take a shot at that seat because he will NOT win re-election in ’10.
ConBlog_NH on February 1, 2009 at 10:12 AM
I think I’m gonna call him stampy!
abobo on February 1, 2009 at 10:13 AM
BRAVO, JUDD GREGG!
But beware an Obama-Lynch double-cross, breaking his promise for selecting your replacement (in spirit if not in technicality).
petefrt on February 1, 2009 at 10:14 AM
It’s also possible, perhaps, that Rahm does not understand what it means to have principles and stick by them.
The 2008 presidential election is solidifying into a Republican and Conservative resolve, a resolve that only comes when one’s back is to the wall.
njcommuter on February 1, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Yeah, this is what I am waiting for. To me this is going to be the main attraction in the Obamarhama show.
JonRoss on February 1, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Gregg shouldn’t accept the secretary position. Why sink in that ship?
jencab on February 1, 2009 at 10:14 AM
“Barack is a politician and he’ll do what politicians do”
- Rev. Jeremiah Wright
He’s going for #60, it couldn’t be more obvious.
Obarfy’s a political animal. Period. He is all about himself and his party. Steadfastly guarding the welfare and security of his country are not on his To Do List, and he would gladly sacrifice all that is right, all that we cherish, for the sake of his political career and socialist agenda.
America be damned. I wonder who beat that into his skull?
fogw on February 1, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Saying no to Obama is the best thing Gregg could do here. The Democrats are going to be severely weakened by the time 2010 rolls around.
Gregg will not only get the GOP vote in NH, but he should be able to attract some Dem voters, seeing how The One found him qualified enough to serve in his cabinet.
If he bails on us Granite Staters, and climbs in bed with Barry the Marxist, we’re screwed.
Bruce in NH on February 1, 2009 at 10:17 AM
wait, do you people think obama & dem. lynch would break a promise? snort.
kelley in virginia on February 1, 2009 at 10:17 AM
As Borat says:
blatantblue on February 1, 2009 at 10:17 AM
This would just be really dumb for Gregg to do. He knows the score, does Obama think he stupid? OK, so we get to find out the answer to that question.
It won’t matter who is in the department figurehead position, the department will be run from the White House.
tarpon on February 1, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Liberals across the board are political animals. They love government, politics, and dictation. That isn’t what conservatism is about, which is why we don’t have good conservative thinkers in office most of the time. It goes against our grain to be in government.
blatantblue on February 1, 2009 at 10:19 AM
I wonder what would happen if this administration started actually working on problems rather than issuing paybacks, devising plans for ultimate power, and apologizing. Maybe something could happen.
sherry on February 1, 2009 at 10:19 AM
I am impressed.
rob verdi on February 1, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Do not agree with ConBlog and I live in NH too. Agree to a point that Gregg is a politician but do think that he has done some good for NH on several fronts. He is, though, a pragmatist. As such he would have that in common with shifty Barack and act accordingly now and then. The trouble with Sec. of Commerce though, and as I see it, is this. Where do you go from there? When it’s over, it’s over. Wonder if Gregg has considered this? He’s not exactly an old man.
jeanie on February 1, 2009 at 10:22 AM
Sherry: Wonder the same. Also wonder what would happen if they all started putting the country first and taking their chances with that. It seems it’s all about getting re-elected and work for the common good only around the edges and where it’s safe. A pox on them all!!
jeanie on February 1, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Wow. 100% stimulus opposition in the house and now THIS? Maybe our boys on the Hill have some spine after all. Go Judd. Stand up, Stand up and fight. Or something…
jbtripp on February 1, 2009 at 10:26 AM
If this appointment was just so Mr. President and the Democrats could gain an advantage in the Senate, they’ll probably withdraw the offer from Gregg now.
kingsjester on February 1, 2009 at 10:26 AM
I say we impose the 48-hour rule on this one.
IrishEi on February 1, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Would that Hillary had known this. I wonder if she would have resigned from the Senate had she known the major foreign policy areas would be taken over by envoys, that Susan Rice would be at the UN (with talk of raising the post to Cabinet lever, meaning she wouldn’t report to Hillary), and Susan Power, who called Hillary a “monster” is welcomed back on the Obama security team.
Perhaps Hillary assumes if she plays nicely with others, she can replace Biden in 2012.
Obama reminds me of a very insecure boss I once had. Tried to keep everyone at odds with each other, even when we weren’t by repeating “gossip” from another employee to you. He wanted everyone off balance and mistrusting each other, so only he knew what was going on.
I think Obama doesn’t understand that the “Team of Rivals” thing may have worked somewhat for Lincoln (Goodwin may have overdone it), but Obama is no Lincoln.
Wethal on February 1, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Hmm Let me see now. He gives up his seat.They appoint a Democrap to replace him,then in 6 month he gets canned. LOL
The Damn O Freakin Crap way.
Rick007 on February 1, 2009 at 10:29 AM
It’s a win-win for Obama actually. Gregg has voted with the Administration 6 out of 7 senate votes this session. He knows Obama won his state by ten points, either way he’s pretty much in the blue column.
DeathToMediaHacks on February 1, 2009 at 10:31 AM
I keep wanting to call him Judge Dredd.
/I’m sure someone else must’ve brought that up before now.
Purple Fury on February 1, 2009 at 10:37 AM
I sent him an email. For whatever that’s worth.
Cindy Munford on February 1, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Two years = eternity in politics. If he’s a RINO then I say let him join Obambi-co. I’m tired of RINO’s in the party. They screwed everything up. REAL conservatives would have brought us a win in 2008.
Mojave Mark on February 1, 2009 at 10:40 AM
That’s what I was thinking as well since what would really stop Barry from doing this? (He’s currently popular and does anybody think the press would remind us?) Hell, what’s to say once he’s there Barry would forget about, ignore his recommendations, and actually give all the real power to some dem? (If Gregg quit after being put in a sinecure position and seeing that seat handed off to a dem we know how it would be reported “Obama’s attempts to get past partisanship rebuffed by Gregg.
Dave_d on February 1, 2009 at 10:41 AM
I am the Law!
/S.Stallone
abobo on February 1, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Here’s another aspect; maybe he doesn’t want to tie himself to the economically-disastrous, anti-business legacy that will be the Obama administration? I wouldn’t; it’s like getting promoted from cabin boy to Second Mate of the Titanic after ice is on the deck (the ice in this case being the Generational Theft Act currently on the table).
michaelo on February 1, 2009 at 10:48 AM
never underestimate the cunning of the Fool’s handlers
notagool on February 1, 2009 at 10:50 AM
We knew this would happen. It will be called skilled and brilliant rather than devious in any way.
tomas on February 1, 2009 at 10:50 AM
Exactly. Better to stay in the Senate and fight the Obama/Reid/Pelosi triumvirate.
Buy Danish on February 1, 2009 at 10:54 AM
If the republican party here in NH would simply stop allowing democrat scum from voting in our primaries all would be well.
Thats the only way they can win. Every straight up fight they lose.
dogsoldier on February 1, 2009 at 10:56 AM
behold the “true conservative”
funky chicken on February 1, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Awesome. Now Tammie Bruce, quit shouting about this one.
hawkdriver on February 1, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Now that Spineless Liberman needs to tell the Damn O Freaking Craps that they tried their damndest to keep him from getting reelected so he will now vote as an independent.
Rick007 on February 1, 2009 at 11:07 AM
This smells.
Connie on February 1, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Playing the GOP Hero sure beats playing the GOP Benedict Arnold. Wonder if they’ll call his bluff? Wonder if there is some other reason he is doing this besides loyalty? Been wondering a lot lately about political motivations
Done That on February 1, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.)
==========================
Just wait and see if N.H. has an emergency and watch “O” Dumbo sit on his hands like he is doing about Kentuck.
Their dying from the cold and hes in the Pimp house in 80 degrees watchimg the football game.
Rick007 on February 1, 2009 at 11:23 AM
RINO glory.
faraway on February 1, 2009 at 11:24 AM
I don’t think we should praise Gregg for this. It’s the basic level of loyalty which we should expect from any politician.
Perhaps this basic level of loyalty gets obscured by the demands some people here place on moderate Republican politicians like Snowe and Collins. They aren’t obliged by party loyalty to always vote in agreement with Jim DeMint. In fact, it seems to me rather outright crazy to put such a demand on them. They are free human beings with values and ideas of their own and they represent a state that finds Jim DeMint a rather bizarre figure. I do admit that I think party loyalty should strongly predispose Snowe and Collins to vote against the stimulus package, because it’s a tremendously wasteful payoff to Democratic special interest groups.
thuja on February 1, 2009 at 11:38 AM
The foundational answer is to destroy Big Government so citizens are not tempted by the Siren Song of the elites.
Term limits. Term limits. Term limits.
I would like to see the Repubes make Term Limits on their candidates part of the platform: “we will hold no national office longer than two terms.”
Don’t wait for a Constitutional Amendment or some kind of legislation; just do it. Your reward will be victories.
Let’s roll.
ex-Democrat on February 1, 2009 at 11:38 AM
If I were Gregg, I would have somebody start my car,have a food tester, & no ride in any convertibles anytime soon. Obama’s Pal Bill Ayers might decide to show some “civil disobedience” for a Fillibuster proof Democrat Senate.
Not that Obama would have ANYTHING to do with it though..
(Sarcasm on.)
portlandon on February 1, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Why isn’t anyone talking about the situation in Kentucky? I just heard their Governor who called Obama early on day one of the ice storm and didn’t get a call back until late that night.
I’ve lived thru one of these ice storms in Kentucky and they are scary to say the least.
Could this be Obama’s “Katrina”??? FEMA showed up and didn’t even bring chain saws.
Back on topic……has Judd paid all of his taxes?
Knucklehead on February 1, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Why would Gregg want to work for Obama in the first place? Enforcing Obama’s trade policies is hardly a good position for a Republican.
johnsteele on February 1, 2009 at 12:13 PM
When I first saw that Obama wanted Gregg I thought he is just trying to get the 60 seats. I hope Gregg stays put. The senate is the only thing that can stop Obama’s left wing machine.
I emailed Gregg and thanked him.
Zimvg on February 1, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Maybe seeing the “Boy King” in action with Pelosi and Reid in a perpetual state of erection and vaginal lubrication has taken it’s toll……….
“Shall we play a game?”
Seven Percent Solution on February 1, 2009 at 12:26 PM
I think this gives pol.cover to Obama so he can say he invited Repubs into his newly minted “bipartisan” administration. What happens if this position is turned down? Is he free to say he held out his hand to partisan Repubs and it was slapped away? Is he free to appoint a democrat who is a worse choice for the position and get away with it?
Hold the line Repubs! If you are going to play games with Obama you had better be well schooled in the Rules(For Radicals).
canditaylor68 on February 1, 2009 at 12:26 PM
OMG Seven Percent Solution horrible horrible-just had flashes of Pelosi in place of Suzzanne Somers on the talk shows and her 60 pills a day and injections into her “dried up spots”
I hate you for that. J/k Ugh
canditaylor68 on February 1, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Cue denouncements of Gregg as a “slave to partisan politics” and a “man who puts party over country” in 5..4..3..
What a Machiavellian partisan Obama is turning out to be. Commendable if it weren’t so slimy.
spmat on February 1, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Gregg is no Republican anyway if he is even interested in serving this socialist Administration. He certainly is capable of finding a good job after 2010 if he runs for reelection and loses. So why is he even thinking about this?
And why would he be vulnerable in 2010? Who could beat him? John Sununu lost last year, but he was beaten by Jeanne Shaheen, who had a long track record and was well known and liked. Is there any Democrat of her stature in New Hampshire that really could beat Judd Gregg in a non-presidential year?
rockmom on February 1, 2009 at 1:33 PM
How is that different from what Blago did?
flyoverland on February 1, 2009 at 1:33 PM
Just remember, he can also be removed from his position just as easy, or easier in 2010.
If his seat went to a Republican in 2010.
You forgot to put a “sarc” after that post…no one is that stupid to think they are the same…
right2bright on February 1, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Presumably, Steele will use his (considerable) power to support Republicans who show solidarity.
And, by the same token, this would also let it be known what will happen to any RINOs turncoats who’re waiting around for a chance to diss the Party. We saw where that led us back when Bush’s man was running the RNC; I’m looking forward to this new age.
logis on February 1, 2009 at 2:59 PM
They grow some good people in New Hampshire. This is cool.
capitalist piglet on February 1, 2009 at 3:15 PM
U’r kidding me right? With leaders like this, the RNC is dead
julian on February 1, 2009 at 4:29 PM
Don’t give them any ideas for “Plan B”
Thank You Senator Gregg for being steadfast. Keep it up.
LegendHasIt on February 1, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Sorry for copycatting. I didn’t read the comments before posting.
LegendHasIt on February 1, 2009 at 5:27 PM
What? A politician passing up personal wealth and power in the interest of people who already voted for him? This will be remembered in the hearts of those who learned that the most important thing you can do in life is keep you’re word. Sometimes a politician will surprise you and actually do the right thing after the election is over and not forget who gave them what they already have. Congratulations Mr Gregg, you passed the test with honors.
Dollayo on February 1, 2009 at 5:57 PM
Thank you, Senator Gregg!
INC on February 1, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Rick007 on February 1, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Knucklehead on February 1, 2009 at 12:02 PM
I stumbled across the story of the ice storm in Kentucky a couple of days ago. We lived through two in the NE and they are scary.
What is this? Doesn’t Obama know that there’s more to being president than sitting in the WH and weaving political power webs? Especially after the story of him cranking up the thermostat. The MSM won’t make a big deal as they certainly would have it he were a Republican, but those who lived through it will remember.
INC on February 1, 2009 at 6:27 PM
Barack Hussein Obama hates white people!
LegendHasIt on February 1, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Bravo!
Alana on February 1, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Talk is cheap, and doubly so when it comes from any politician.
Yes, the notion is great, but its enactment is about as likely as a McCain presidential win thanks to it involving a democrat.
DannoJyd on February 1, 2009 at 7:06 PM
I love the way the filthy bastard keeps raiding the Senate. You’d think he wants to get enough people around him he can go back to voting present again!
Seriously though, I see this as much a political move than anything else. Gregg doesn’t want to become known as the Jumpin’ Jim Jeffords of the Obama administration. He doesn’t want to be the guy blamed by the Republicans everytime the filthy bastard gets unpopular legislation through without a fight. Secretary of Commerce isn’t anybody’s idea of a terminal public office and Gregg is smart enough to realize that he’d never hold office again if his acceptance to filthy bastard’s cabinet changed the balance of power.
highhopes on February 1, 2009 at 7:11 PM
I live in Tennessee, but I just emailed Sen. Gregg to ask him not to do this. No Republican should do anything to give the Dims a 60-vote majority.
MochaLite on February 1, 2009 at 7:15 PM
I disagree. I don’t think it will be difficult for him to be re-elected in 2010. I think there will be a tsunami against democrats in 2010, with the economy still in the tank and various other issues that will arise by then, caused by the inexcusable ignorance of the party in power.
Vashta.Nerada on February 1, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Why not let the kids have the seats so the country can finally and clearly see what they’re made of?
Schadenfreude on February 1, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Class act.
javamartini on February 1, 2009 at 9:36 PM
The fact that you can never trust a Democrat to keep there word is reason enough for Judd Gregg to not take the job.
Dasher on February 1, 2009 at 11:27 PM
There. That wasn’t so hard to figure out, was it? Here’s to Judd Gregg for having the sense and integrity that seems to evade the other 99 Senators so consistently.
Can anyone imagine Dick Durbin or Chuck Schumer exhibiting such simple decency?
Jaibones on February 2, 2009 at 1:00 AM
“Commerce Secretary” and “wield authority” don’t belong in the same sentence. I worked at Commerce for 15 years. The biggest parts of the DOC’s budget are the Census Bureau and NOAA (think weather and marine fisheries protection). USTR has the real action on trade; the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration is just a tool for allowing the Secretary to make the international junket circuit, shaking hands and having cocktails with counterparts in other countries. EDA is mostly pork barrel brick-and-mortar projects for areas that can’t make it in the global competitive environment. Under Bush, BIS was willing to give away leading edge U.S. technology to India to placate its objections to our nestling up with Pakistan–to hell with U.S. competitiveness and jobs. Commerce could — and should — do so much more…but it has always been a backwater Department used as a dumping ground for political operatives. Oh, wait…Hope and Change. Right! Good luck with that!
PolicyWonk on February 2, 2009 at 2:07 AM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »