The more closely I follow political news, the more appreciation I have for the "balance of power," a phrase that Senate Republicans know all too well.
The Obama administration, which boasts 13 million supporters, announced that it was considering Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.)for the position of Commerce secretary, which is good news for Gregg, (61) who's prospects for a 2010 re-election are looking shaky and expensive. As Commerce secretary, Gregg would get to pursue his interest in economic policies and be part of a government that will "amplify" the voice of the people. From his viewpoint and background as a left-leaning Republican, Gregg would have the chance to wield some power from inside the enemy camp, with the downside that Republicans in his home state would hate him forever.
If Gregg defects from the Senate, then the Democrats would hold a 60-seat majority and Republicans would lose filibuster power. Obama would find significantly less resistance while passing through legislation, and Republicans would become the threatened minority like never before.
The question is, where does party loyalty come in? Before the election, Barack Obama and Joe Biden's extremely partisan record showed them to be hardcore Democrats, sticking with their party like glue. Will Gregg follow that line of thinking and remain in the Senate? Or will Gregg, the individual, continue his political career at the expense of the network of people that helped him get this far? Are his ideals and dreams spun from the GOP cloth or his own ambitions, and will history judge him if he does abandon what many see as a sinking ship? Only Time will tell...and Politico.
“I think you will see a White House political affairs shop that will do everything it can to protect and promote the Obama brand, and tries to leverage the Obama brand to impact external audiences in a big broad way, and will then have a trickle-down effect and impact elected officials,” - Chris Lehane, former Clinton aide.
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