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.