CQ Politics has reported that President-Elect Obama has offered the job of U.S. Trade Representative to California Congressman Xavier Becerra.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/...
Becerra is weighing whether to give up his House seniority and newly won spot as vice chairman of the Democratic Caucus to take the Cabinet-level post, a source close to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus said. But another Democratic source said the job has been offered and accepted.
If Becerra accepts than it should be a hallelujah moment for progressives and advocates of fair trade.
For starters, Becerra is a member of Sen. Bernie Sanders Progressive Caucus, which has long pushed congresses for fairer trade deals.
http://cpc.lee.house.gov/...
Becerra did originally support NAFTA, but he has apologized for this and worked to oppose CAFTA, giving Bush fast-track authority for trade agreements, and granting China MFN
Representative Xavier Becerra of California, who says he regrets voting for Nafta, opposes Cafta because he says it doesn't have strong enough labor provisions and won't raise living standards.
"We are hoping we can convince the administration that the votes aren't there, so it will renegotiate the deal," says Becerra, a Democrat representing parts of Los Angeles.
Even if Becerra says no, the fact that Obama offered him the job of U.S. Trade Rep. shows that he is serious about promoting fair trade.
Update: Becerra has an 87% lifetime rating from the AFL-CIO. It's not an A, but it's still pretty good.