Obama names Republican senator to lead Commerce Department (1st Lead)

Feb 3, 2009, 15:25 GMT

Washington - US President Barack Obama on Tuesday nominated New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg to be commerce secretary, filling the last of his major cabinet posts.

Gregg, a member of the opposition Republican Party, would cross the aisle to join the cabinet of the newly inaugurated Democratic president.

Gregg, 61, would be the third Republican in Obama's administration, behind Defence Secretary Robert Gates and transportation secretary-designate Ray LaHood.

Obama said Gregg would be a 'trusted voice' in his administration who was a 'master of reaching across the aisle to get things done.'

Gregg 'has seen from all angles what makes our economy work for communities, businesses and families.'

As head of the Commerce Department, Gregg will be tasked with boosting trade within the US and managing free-trade agreements and economic relations with other countries. Gregg has held a variety of Senate committee posts involved in commerce, labour and budgetary issues.

Obama's first choice to head commerce, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a Democrat, dropped out last month over an investigation into allegations of politicized state government contracting practices.

Gregg echoed Obama's call for both Republicans and Democrats to work together to pull the US out of a severe economic recession.

'This is not a time for partisanship,' Gregg said in accepting the nomination. 'This is a time to govern, and govern well.'

Gregg himself however voted to abolish the Commerce Department in the Senate in 1995. On Tuesday he said the department 'has a broad and interesting portfolio.'