There were conflicting reports tonight that Washington Governor Christine Gregoire might replace Bill Richardson as President-elect Obama's pick for Commerce Secretary.
The Hill reported that Gregoire has reserved satellite television time at 9 a.m. Tuesday, which might portend an announcement about her future:
Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) canceled a Tuesday lunch appearance with the Associated Press late Monday and two Washington State sources confirmed to The Hill she is in Washington, D.C. The governor's actions over the last 24 hours have triggered a wave of speculation in the Evergreen State that Gregoire could replace New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) as President-elect Obama's Commerce Secretary-designate.
Gregoire was reportedly on a plane Sunday, and multiple sources confirm she was in the nation's capital as late as Monday. A Gregoire spokesman vehemently denied she was set to take a position in Obama's cabinet, and said she was not still in D.C. late Monday night "as far as I know."
But The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder shot down the speculation:
I'm not sure why Gregoire is going to Washington, but Obama aides say Gregoire is not a candidate for commerce.
This rumor is: FALSE.
