by Nicholas Beaudrot Tactically, the idea of giving Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), a post as the Commerce Secretary might be great idea. Commerce isn't exactly the highest pro-file gig in the executive branch, and Gregg is a more conservative Republican than his state ought to tolerate. Far more conservative. In the 110th Congress, Gregg was the 15th most conservative Senator, which is impressive except that he 10th in the 108th, 9th in the 107th, and 2nd (!) in the 109th. His likely replacements are either a Democrat, or perhaps Warren Rudman or Walter Peterson, both of whom ae Republicans but would likely vote much more like their neighbors from Maine, Susan Collines and Olympia Snowe. Of course, Gregg is up for reelection in 2010, so if Democrats have a candidate with a chance of winning, theyr'e probably better off keeping Gregg where he is in the long run. But if not, it's a clever move.
