President Barack Obama has chosen Gary Locke, former governor of
Washington, as his third nominee for Secretary of Commerce. "Gary will
be a trusted member of my cabinet, a tireless advocate for our economic
competitiveness, and an influential ambassador for American industry
who will help us do everything we can -- especially now -- to promote
our industry around the world," Obama said in making the nomination.
"Our nation's economic success is tied directly to America continuing
to lead in technology and innovation, and in exporting those products,
services, and ideas to nations around the globe," Locke said in remarks
following the president. "The Department of Commerce can and will help
create the jobs and the economic vitality our nation needs." Locke, 59,
is a Democrat who served two terms as Washington's governor from 1997
to 2005. He is the grandson of Chinese immigrants and was the nation's
first Chinese-American governor. Since leaving office, Locke has worked
as an attorney with the international firm Davis Wright Tremaine LLP on
international trade issues. Locke must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate
before being sworn in; no information was released on when that vote
will take place.
