Looks like Obama is trying to get the Democrats a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.
President Barack Obama appeared Saturday to be leaning toward appointing a third Republican to his Cabinet, a move that would place the fiscally conservative Sen. Judd Gregg at the head of the Commerce Department even though a liberal Democrat was initially tapped for the post.
The appointment of the New Hampshire Republican — his family has close ties to the family of former President George W. Bush — also could bring the Senate closer to the 60-vote majority Democrats need to thwart Republicans seeking to filibuster legislation. However, there was no guarantee that New Hampshire’s independent-minded governor would replace Gregg with a Democrat.
Except every article I have read on this, including the one you cite has Obama and the Democratic Governor forging a deal to appoint a republican placeholder.
a deal to appoint a republican placeholder
They’re probably busy looking for the next Jim Jeffords…or another Collins/Snowe…that way they’ll have a “working” 60-vote majority without looking too ham-handed.
so then, maybe it is a good idea to not allow governors to appoint senators.