Senator Judd Gregg and New Hampshire’s Democratic Gov. John Lynch have both confirmed what has been much discussed over the last several days: Gregg has made it clear that he would only accept an appointment to the Obama Administration if it would not cause the Democrats to gain his Senate seat.
“Senator Gregg has said he would not resign his seat in the U.S. Senate if it changed the balance in the Senate,” the governor said in a statement given to the Union Leader. “Based on my discussions, it is clear the White House and Senate leadership understand this as well.”
Gregg issued his own statement, making the point even clearer: “I have made it clear to the Senate Leadership on both sides of the aisle and to the governor that I would not leave the Senate if I felt my departure would cause a change in the makeup of the Senate. The Senate Leadership, both Democratic and Republican, and the Governor understand this concern and I appreciate their consideration of this position.”
So there you have it. A Democratic governor will appoint a Republican Senator, as a condition of the Republican leaving the seat and creating the vacancy in the first place.
