Judd Gregg

Judd Gregg is the senior Republican Senator from New Hampshire. On February 3, 2009, President Barack Obama officially nominated Gregg as his choice for commerce secretary. On February 12, 2009, Gregg withdrew from the nomination. He cited "irresolvable conflicts" due to differences of opinions he had compared with President Obama on the economic stimulus and the Census.CNN: Gregg withdraws from consideration for Commerce post (February 12, 2009)

The job of Commerce Secretary had originally been intended for New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, a strong supporter of Obama's in the Democratic primary. However, Richardson withdrew his name from nomination amidst a federal investigation into some questionable political donations.MSNBC: Richardson withdrawal leaves cabinet gap (January 6, 2009)

According to reports, Judd Gregg initially agreed to accept the position if he was assured that his Senate replacement would be a Republican. The move would have prevented the possibility that the Democrats could reach a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.USA Today: Official: Obama taps Gregg as commerce head (February 2, 2009) Washington Post: Gregg Open to Commerce Post - if a Republican Replaces Him (February 2, 2009) KWGN TV Denver: Obama Obama names Judd Gregg commerce secretary (February 3, 2009) New Hampshire Governor John Lynch named Gregg's former chief of staff, Republican Bonnie Newman, to fill the vacant Senate seat.

Gregg withdrew his name from consideration for the position on February 12, 2009, citing "irresolvable conflicts" due to differences of opinions he had compared with President Obama on the economic stimulus and the Census.CNN: Gregg withdraws from consideration for Commerce post (February 12, 2009)

"...it has become apparent during this process that this will not work for me as I have found that on issues such as the stimulus package and the Census there are irresolvable conflicts for me. Prior to accepting this post, we had discussed these and other potential differences, but unfortunately we did not adequately focus on these concerns. We are functioning from a different set of views on many critical items of policy. Obviously the President requires a team that is fully supportive of all his initiatives."— Judd Gregg on February 12, 2009CNN: Gregg withdraws from consideration for Commerce post (February 12, 2009)

• Committee Site: Judd Gregg, Ranking member

• 1947, February 14: Born

• 1965: Graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy

• 1969: Earned Bachelor's degree from Columbia University

• 1972: Earned Juris Doctor from Boston University

• 1975: Earned Master of Law degree from Boston University

• 1981-1987: Served in the U.S. House of Representatives

• 1989-1993: Governor of New Hampshire

• 1993: Assumed U.S. Senate office

• 1998: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

• 2003: Wife is kidnapped from their Virginia home

• 2004: Re-elected to the U.S. Senate

• 2005: Won $850,000 playing lottery