Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Commerce Nom Locke a Rock Star in China

As Washington state governor, he cultivated deep trade ties

By Gabriel Winant, Newser User

Posted Feb 25, 2009 9:44 AM CST

(Newser) – The third time was the charm for China—at least in terms of President Obama's picks to head the Commerce Department, reports the New York Times. Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke, to be introduced today as the administration's latest nominee, brings a reputation for pragmatism, a scandal-free resume, and deep ties to China. “He’s really, really proud of his Chinese heritage, and he’s passionate that we need to have a positive relationship with China,” says a Republican colleague.

Washington officials describe their state as the most dependent on trade in the nation, and as governor, Locke made at least three trips to China, and now leads his law firm’s China practice. He’s met with Chinese President Hu Jintao, and even carried the Olympic torch last summer on one of its last legs into Beijing. "He’s got access and sort of a special cachet that’s probably going to get him" special treatment, says one state official.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

In this April 18, 2006 file photo, former Washington state Gov. Gary Locke and his wife Mona arrive at the home of Bill Gates in Medina, Wash. to attend a dinner with Chinese President Hu Jintao. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, Pool)

In this April 19, 2006 picture, former Wash. Gov. Gary Locke, left, toasts Chinese President Hu Jintao, right, with Starbucks Coffee mugs in Everett, Wash., during Hu's visit to the Seattle area. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

In this Feb. 24, 2004 photo, Washington State Gov. Gary Locke speaks at the National Governors Association meeting in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

For all of us in Washington State, we wake up in the morning looking west. We tend to look at the Asian Pacific region as our future. Just generally, Gary brings a broader trade experience. - Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash.

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Don't Kid Yourself, Tea Party: Elites Are Still In Charge

Washington knows which side its bread is buttered on, Dana Milbank writes

(NEWSER) - The supposedly tea-stained House of Representatives passed three free trade bills yesterday, despite ample polling data showing that Tea Party voters are strongly opposed to free trade. It’s just further proof, writes Dana Milbank of the Washington Post , that “for all the talk of populist foment,” from the Tea Party and Occupy Wall Street, “business interests remain firmly in control” in Washington. “Forced to choose between their voters and their donors, lawmakers don’t hesitate before choosing the latter." More»

China Threatens 'Trade War' Over Senate Bill

Bill would place tariff on countries that depress their currencies

(NEWSER) - A senior Chinese official warned today that the US is in for a “trade war” if it enacts a Senate bill that would punish China for artificially keeping its currency low. The bill “in no way represents the reality of the economic and trade relationship between China and the US,” a Chinese foreign minister tells Reuters . “The only result would be a trade war … that would be a lose-lose situation for both sides." More»

US' New China Ambassador Vows Unity

Gary Locke is first Chinese American to fill post

(AP) - Gary Locke was "humbled and honored" to today become the first Chinese American to serve as America's ambassador to China, showing a clear eye on cooperation between the two global powers in facing common challenges. "If our people, our business people, our scientists, our students can really join together," Locke said at a news conference, "we can solve not just the challenges and problems facing each of our countries, we can actually solve many of the problems facing the entire world." More»

Obama to Tap Energy Exec for Commerce

Former energy CEO John Bryson picked to head Dept. of Commerce

(AP) - President Obama will nominate businessman John Bryson to lead the Commerce Department, a White House official said today. Bryson's appointment brings another private sector player into an administration that has been making a concerted effort to improve its relationship with the business community. Bryson is a former chairman and chief executive officer of Edison International, a California-based energy company. He also has an extensive background in environmental issues, having co-founded the Natural Resources Defense Council and served on a United Nations advisory group on energy and climate change. More»

Google CEO Eyed as Commerce Secretary

Pfizer head, Ron Kirk also in running, say sources

(NEWSER) - The Obama administration is considering naming Google CEO Eric Schmidt as commerce secretary, sources tell BusinessWeek . Pfizer CEO Jeffrey Kindler and current US trade representative Ron Kirk are also reportedly in the running. Current Commerce Secretary Gary Locke is being nominated to be US ambassador to China. Presidents often look to corporate America to fill the post, and the Obama administration is particularly interested now in seeking to quell criticism from business leaders on regulation and health care. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Commerce Nom Locke a Rock Star in China