President Barack Obama (left) nominated Gary Locke (right), the first Chinese-American governor in US history, as Commerce Secretary, in his third attempt to fill the key cabinet post. -- PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON - PRESIDENT Barack Obama on Wednesday nominated Gary Locke, the first Chinese-American governor in US history, as Commerce Secretary, in his third attempt to fill the key cabinet post.
'I am sure it is not lost on anyone that we have tried this a couple of times, but I am a big believer in keeping at something until you get it right,' Mr Obama said as he formally unveiled his choice of Mr Locke at the White House.
'Gary is the right man for this job.' Mr Locke, a Democrat and the grandson of a Chinese immigrant, served as governor of western Washington state between 1997 and 2005, and carved out contacts with Chinese leaders as he pushed for trade links.
He is Mr Obama's third choice for the key post, after New Mexico governor Bill Richardson withdrew over an inquiry into contracting in his state, and Republican Senator Judd Greg pulled out over political splits with Mr Obama.
'Gary knows the American dream, that's why he shares my commitment to do whatever it takes to keep it alive in our time,' Mr Obama said, framing the choice as part of his economic recovery strategy.
'Gary will be a trusted voice in my cabinet, a tireless advocate for economic competitiveness and an influential ambassador for American industry.' 'I am grateful he has agreed to leave one Washington for another.'
Mr Locke's contacts in Beijing are likely to be especially important, as he takes a role in managing the complicated and at times tense trading relationship between the two powers.
The White House said Mr Locke's repeated trips across the Pacific had resulted in a doubling of Washington's state's exports to China to more than US$5 billion dollars per year.
Mr Locke also opened a Washington state trade office in Germany to foster trade ties with European nations.
Mr Locke said at the White House ceremony that US economic success depended on leadership in technology and innovation. 'The Department of Commerce can and will help create the jobs and the economic vitality that our nation needs.' -- AFP
