YOUR COMMENTS

Bravo Sen. Gregg. In today's economy and the whacky left trying to steer this country in the wrong direction, this was an applauded move by many. Though I do not why you voted for the cheat heading the treasury department, you must have had your own reasons. Good luck with your cabinet post.
- Chris, Farmington

I predict that Sen. Gregg will do whatever best helps him add to the millions of dollars he has sucked up at the trough of so-called public service. Gregg will take the cabinet post and Gov. Lynch, so as not to upset the delicate situation in the U. S. Senate, will name Granny D to replace him.
- George Edmunds, North Sutton

I still don't understand the appeal of for Gregg. Commerce Secretary is a relatively minor cabinet position - can anyone name any former Commerce Secretaries? There's a reason Obama's first choice was the corrupt hack Bill Richardson. The position doesn't matter.
- Tom, Campton

I STILL say Governor Lynch Should Appoint Himself.
- Chris, Londonderry, NH

If Sen. Gregg wants the seat to stay Republican until 2012 then he needs to stay put. The governor has no right to make back room deals...the seat is not owned by the republicans. Can you just imagine Craig Benson (or any former Republican governor) agreeing to "hold the seat for a Democrat".... shame on you Gov. Lynch.
- Nancy G, Concord NH

It doesn't matter if your replacement is a republican. You are selling out to advance yourself. Shame!
- Peg, Marlow

i have a bipartisan solution to this whole financial mess. the irs needs to audit every member of the house and senate. that will be a huge tax revenue generator
- chris, londonderry

Chris, I agree 100%. This Daschle character didn't realize he owed $120,000 in back taxes? Please.
Every member of the house and senate should have their tax returns reviewed completely. We may make up close to a Trillion dollars in the deficit. Now that is an economic stimulus we can all agree on.
- Mike, Manchester

John E. would be ideal, but it ain't gonna happen. Any Republican Lynch names will be viewed as a RINO by conservatives, but given the way the Senate works, a RINO is still preferable to a DINAF (Democrat in name and fact). How about Liz Hager of Concord? She's bright, energetic, in her mid-60s, and understands the legislative process as well as any Republican who would be acceptable to Gov. Lynch.
- bill_o, manchester, nh

Sen Gregg is doing the right thing. He cannot put the Republicans in a no win situation and abandon the principals that he stands for. Whether you agree with one party or the other, this is not a game, this is what politics and real life is.
Good for you, Sen Gregg! and thank you.
- Jen Peters, Barrington, NH

It doesn't matter if he appoints a Republican right now for 2 years if that Republican doesn't run again in 2010. Politico reports that early polling have Gregg winning in an election versus either Hodes or Shea-Porter, however if the seat is wide open in 2010, it will be much easier for the Democrats to win the seat.

Gregg, it doesn't matter if you get a Republican in for 2 years when in the long run, you are the cause that hands the senate seat over to the Dems in 2010. You are selling out those who have supported you in the past.
- Casey Johnes, Manchvegas

It appears to me that partisan politics are alive and well in this country. Shame on Sen. Gregg that he feels that he has the power to play this game. I initially felt that this was an incredible honor for Sen. Gregg and perhaps he does as well, but if he feels he has to dictate who replaces him then perhaps he should stay in his current playground until his term is up.
- Debbie, Goffstown

i have a bipartisan solution to this whole financial mess. the irs needs to audit every member of the house and senate. that will be a huge tax revenue generator
- chris, londonderry

if gregg calls the shots & the conditions likes this, what makes him all that different from blagojevich? sure he's not requesting $$$, but it's not all that much different. he's trying to completely manipulate the situation far beyond his means and legitimate ability. it's not his place to name his successor and any attempt to control this situation on his part is a complete overstep of his legal boundaries.
- gregory, concord, nh

This is America, he should have it both ways. Get over it!
- Kristine, Hooksett

They wouldn't put Sununu back because a majority of NH voters explicity do not want him in the Sentate.

It's Bonnie Newman, which is perfectly fine...she's a moderate Republican who will represent NH with dignity and honesty.

Look how NH does it compared to everywhere else. Our Senator and Governor actually get along and make things happen to benefit the country, while obeying the will of the voters of the state. The rest of the country should look and learn.
- Tony Corriveau, Exeter

This whole political shell game is very sad. Politicians in this day could care less about what is right for the country and are more worried about themselves. The Republicans and Democrats, every single one of them in the Congress and Senate are like divorced parents. They bicker on opposite sides while we, the average worker, are like the children caught in the middle.

Judd Gregg wants to make sure he doesn't upset the apple cart. What ever happened to people being honored to be selected to serve in a Presient's cabinet?

There is no more honor in politics and the politicians themselves are the least honorable people we will ever face. Time to throw them all out on their butts and re-elect an entirely new congress and senate to be made up of every day citizens who won't bicker but will get the job done.
- Mike, Manchester

If Gregg takes the position, the Governor should appoint who he feels would make the best senator, regardless of party. Simple as that. Agreeing to appoint a member of one political party or another ahead of time would de-legitimize the process. If Gregg can't accept the fact that Lynch may choose to appoint a non-Republican, then he should just decline the post.
- Dan, Manchester

We voted a republican into the office. We need to have a republican in that seat or Gregg should stay. Not everyone in NH is a Democrat.
- Tammy, Lancaster

Gibbs hasn't mentioned anything about candidate #4 because they were caught with their pants down with Blago. That's the one reason they refuse tohave nothing to do with this directly.
Why wouldn't they just put Sununu back in? He's has the experience and would instantly check Jean Shaheen's socialist ambitions.
- jerry lacorte, Derry

OH! Gregg take the damn job and be thankful, believe me. You won't be missed. Just maybe something will acutally get done that is for the regular Joe and Jesephine. You know, people who make under $1 million dollars a year.
- gail, manchester

How can Gregg possibly believe that Lynch will appoint a Republican to replace him. Is he really that naive? Lynch would not be legally bound by any promise to Gregg. If Gregg accepts the position as Commerce Secretary, Lynch WILL put a Democrat in his place. It would make the Governor a hero to the Democratic party. Republicans get stabbed in the back every time they play the bipartisanship game. Don't do it, Gregg.
- Jim T, Manchester

Seems to me that Sen. Gregg is trying to have it both ways. Either he wants the cabinet job or to remain a senator. He needs to make up his mind. He has no legal standing to dictate who gets to succeed him as senator. Gov. Lynch should not have any constraints on who he would like to appoint; it's his decision alone. That's how it has always worked and that's how it's supposed to work.
- Frank, Manchester