President taps Gary Locke to lead Commerce Department[SIZE=-1]President Barack Obama officially nominated former Washington Gov. Gary Locke Wednesday to be his Secretary of Commerce.
"Gary will be a trusted voice in 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 it around the world," said President Obama. "I?m grateful he?s agreed to leave one Washington for another, and I look forward to having him on my team as we continue the work of turning our economy around and bringing about a stronger, more prosperous future for all Americans."
"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 markets around the globe," Locke said. "The Department of Commerce can and will help create jobs and the economic vitality our country needs."
Locke is the third nominee to lead for the Commerce Department. Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico and Republican Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire both withdrew from consideration before the Senate could confirm them.
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