It's not that the GOP can't talk Gregg out of being Commerce Sec. it's being a former Commerce Sec.

they can't talk him out of. Commerce, Treasury and Energy are where the post cabinet service big bucks are. Gregg is 61 years old, he will take the job. He can serve two or three years and then write his own ticket.

The question is will the Democratic governor would appoint a Republican to replace him in the senate.

I don't know if he has to put a Republican in the seat because a Republican was elected to the office or if he can do what he wants. How would it look if he doesn't? What would the political consequences be? It would give us 60 Senators if he didn't, what would the people think?

One wildcard I haven't heard mentioned about Gregg since his name has surfaced. Has he stated if he would run for re-election in 2010? I think this will have more of a role in his decision...and his value in offering a cabinet position.

He's one of the most vulnerable GOOP Senators and thus one who is also more likely to bolt the party to protect his ass than a Shelby or Cornyn is. So far he's voted with Democrats more than against...and would losing his vote, even if it is to a Democrat, also lose a big wedge? I think it's more damaging for McConnell to lose a vote...even a "moderate" one...and Judd could become another Lincoln Chaffee...breaking with his party as he sees it in his best political interest.

As you state, Commerce handles a lot of money, and I'm not comfortable with having any repugnican close to the purse strings. But maybe I'm missing something here...

most likely toast in the next election. The real question for me is whether Lynch would appoint a Democrat or a moderate Republican.