Oregon Public Broadcasting

The only Obama Cabinet nominee from the Northwest appears on the fast track to confirmation.  Former Washington Governor Gary Locke endured two-and-a-half hours of lecturing and gentle grilling from U.S. Senators Wednesday.

In the end, Republicans and Democrats voiced support for the Commerce Secretary nominee.  Correspondent Tom Banse reports on the confirmation hearing.

Gary Locke is President Obama’s third choice to serve as his Commerce Secretary.  The former two-term governor of Washington State has already gotten further than the first two nominees -- to the evident relief of Senators Jay Rockefeller, a Democrat, and Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Jay Rockefeller: “The ranking member and I have both looked at all of the financials and FBI reports and it was clean and happy reading.”

Kay Bailey Hutchison: “Boring would have been my description.”

When it was his turn to talk, former Governor Locke touted his experience opening foreign markets to American businesses.

Gary Locke: “In my home state of Washington, trade is the lifeblood of our economy.  We are the most trade dependent state in the nation with nearly one to every three to four jobs directly or indirectly tied to trade.  There has never been a more important time for this country to have strong and fair trade partnerships around the world.”

However, it was other issues -- stuff Locke didn’t have to deal with as a legislator, governor or lawyer -- that dominated his questioning.

Republicans like Hutchison wonder whether the 2010 Census will be accurate and fair.  The Census Bureau is part of the Commerce Department.

Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I have concerns about reports that the administration might insert itself into the management of the census. I believe the process must remain transparent and non-politicized.”

Gary Locke: “We’re going to have to devote extraordinary efforts to this.  I intend to be personally involved in overseeing this and getting the right people in place.”

Another headache for Locke may be distribution of TV converter box coupons.  Congress has delayed the switchover to all digital TV broadcasting until June.  Locke promises no further delays.

The hearing ended with Senate chairman Jay Rockefeller telling the nominee he’s a lock for the job.

Jay Rockefeller: “I’d like to see you in place as soon as possible for the good of the nation.”

No Senator has stepped forward publicly to oppose the Locke nomination.