Obama Picks Gregg: No Discriminating Against Republicans

Gregg is a Republican with a considerable political tenure.  From my initial readings of his political history, he has more than enough experience to play a key role as an expert in the position that was given to Bill Richardson last year.  

While I think one of the interesting things will be how Gregg will function in a Democratic administration.  It seems he has a moderate voting record on social issues, however as Commerce Secretary, that record may matter less than his record on spending, appropriations, and budgeting issues.  His stance on spending though may be contradictory to the path Obama is planning to take.  This economic stimulus bill is not exactly on the side we would deem lower spending.  And because the economic recession is the subject of the day, Gregg will invariably have a lot on his plate and a lot of opportunities to either agree or disagree with Obama’s plans for the economy.

However, like many of the picks that Obama has made, while I cannot say that I understand the full considerations that have gone into his nomination picks, I can have confidence in his ability to judge character and ability.

What I think is important to take from this more than anything is the continued ability of Obama to look at the bigger picture – beyond party lines.  He is leading by an example which will really put stress on the Republican Party to hold up their end and show a little more support and stray from the party loyalty strategy that plagued the 110th Congress.