Just heard on NPR that Mitch McConnell has given the go ahead to Gregg's nomination as Commerce Secy, following Richardson's embarrassing withdrawal because of being investigated for corruption back in NM.
The Weekend ATC audio isn't up yet, but I'll put up a link when they post it (around 7pm Eastern).
The basic report from my memory, and a few suggestions for discussion, below the fold:
UPDATE I: Here's Miss Laura's recent FP post on this topic, for reference. Sorry I didn't link to it originally, Laura. (h/t jj32)
UPDATE II: OK, the audio is just now posted. The exact McConnell quote is "Whoever's appointed to replace him would caucus with the Senate Republicans, so I think it would have no impact on the balance of power in the Senate."
UPDATE III: from ABC's The Note:
ABC News' Tahman Bradley reports: Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said on CBS's "Face the Nation" this morning that Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., has assured him that if he leaves the Senate to fill the vacant Commerce Secretary post in the Obama administration that New Hampshire's governor would replace him with someone who would caucus with the Republicans.
"Sen. Gregg has assured me that if this were to happen, if it were to happen, it would not change the makeup of the Senate. In other words, whoever is appointed to replace him would caucus with Senate Republicans so I think it would have no impact on the balance of power in the Senate," said the Kentucky senator.
UPDATE IV: From Elwood Dowd, here's a tidbit that should (if there are any real liberals left in the halls of power) put the kibosh on Gregg's nomination: He signed on to a bill in '07 that would have eliminated the minimum wage altogether!!!
The report is that McConnell is saying that he's gotten assurances from Gregg that his successor, to be appointed by NH Gov John Lynch, will " associate caucus with Republicans," which I took to mean, he or she will either be a bonafide GOP member, or an independent who will caucus with them as Sanders and Lieberman do with the Dems.
I'm sorry that I don't have much NH expertise despite having lived in ME for 15 years, so I'm hoping folks who have the inside politcal scoop there will be able to bring up some likely candidates who would fit the criteria of being a GOP "associate" (is that like WalMart associates?) while also being non-wingnut enough for Lynch to nominate him or her and not receive major flak from the growing Dem majority in that state (which remains the most conservative in the NE, despite it's recent significant drift to the left).
Then, there's also a discussion to have regarding the intelligence of this move, assuming Obama's team knew that Lynch would agree to a GOP leaner for a pick, and all the permutations that might spring therefrom.
Flail away, Kossacks!