WASHINGTON (CNN) – Judd Gregg made clear Thursday he would rather serve in the Senate than in the Obama administration, but the New Hampshire Republican said he “probably” will not seek a fourth term next year.
“Will I run? Probably not,” Gregg said at a press conference after withdrawing from the Commerce post. Gregg also told the New Hampshire Union-Leader earlier in the day that he does not intend to seek re-election.
If that’s true, it likely comes as good news to New Hampshire Rep. Paul Hodes, the Democratic congressman who emerged as a frontrunner for the seat after Gregg first decided to take the Commerce job. Hodes announced his intention to run for the Senate seat last week.
But if Gregg has a change of heart and decides to run again in 2010, Hodes has a tougher road ahead. According to an American Research Group poll released in late December, Gregg held a 47-40 lead in a hypothetical match-up with the congressman.
Even before Gregg said Thursday he won’t run again - but after he turned down the president - Hodes made it clear he still wants the seat.
“I will be a candidate for the United State Senate in 2010,” Hodes said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “I look forward to working every day to stand up for New Hampshire as we come together to confront the economic crisis facing our nation.”
Hodes would still need to secure the Democratic nomination, and may face a primary challenge from Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, who is mulling her own bid.
From CNN Politics
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Good.
Now, let's see if that holds or if he has a 'sudden change of mind'....
He's a rich moron who cares nothing about the people...
I smell a dead cat on the line!!!! He is hiding something and it is going to come out sooner of later!
Why would he when he just spit on his contiuents? This isn't just about whether or not the stimulus works...the point of the matter is that something had to be done quickly because Gregg and his GOP buddies lined their pockets (and probably some Dems too) while Delusional George ran the fiscal warmongering train off the tracks and down the embankment. Clearly none of the GOP want to fix anything. They want it to fall into a heap of catastrophe and believe themselves the rescuers of our soon to be 3rd world status in a few years. Sick puppies aren't they?
After this stunt he knows he won't win... I'm sure his jobs is to now and try to make the President fail but if God is for you it doesn't matter who is against you
Ok, first he retracts his name from consideration and now states he will not run for re-election to the Senate(YAY)?
Looks like President Obama's vetting team either did find or was close to finding some smelly and dirty old laundry.
One the other hand he may have had enough time to line his pockets with our money and wants out before he is discovered, afterall, he is a repub.
Gregg, I am sorry, you could have really helped this country get past the partisan crap, instead you are a quiter. The same lack of testicular fortitude that seams to be running rampant in your party, with the exception of an old man & two women. You guys, really should burn those party hats, they are keeping the oxegen from getting to the thinking parts of the brain. both parties for that matter. you have the left wing Pelosi's on one hand and the Right wing bainers on the other, the American people deserve better than that.
Yeah, we have another Senator that will "retire" with more money, benefits and corporate job opportunities than you could shake a stick at. In addition he probably was influenced by the new lobbiest restrictions that might have limited his future plans. This was never a "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" moment.
Good!
By removing yourself from being the Commerce Secretary under an Obama administration, Senator, your popularity in NH spiked 10 points!
I really think that this was the repub last hope at screwing with the numbers and the Obama admin knew it. They offered the congressman the job with the full knowledge of his party affiliation and what that means when it comes to minorites and having an accurate census. Smart moving by asking for the report as well. There will be no love lost here in light of this new development.
President Obama doesn't know just how blessed he is not to have this spineless person in his cabinet. This administration needs Real Men, not wimps. He knew what he was getting into, but he didn't stop to realize that the ever infamous Republican CULT would not allow this.
This is just further evidence that most of the Republicans in Congress are poor losers. I commend the three Senate Republicans for supporting the stimulus. They had valid points of clean up in the original bill. Unfortunately their cohorts don't get it.
Scumbag Gregg,we wont forget either.They blackmailed him.
Well the Republicans are at it again. Anything to stop progress. I wish they(republicans) would grow up.
Probably lying about that too. Loser!!!!
So it is not about me it is about their election? God forbid us!!
some bomb must be about to explode about Gregg's character
Don't worry, he'll probably yellow stripe it on this one too...
But, he did pay taxes, which may separate him for the other choices!
WHY ARE SO MANY REPUBLICANS NOT WEARING FLAG PINS ON THEIR LAPELS NOW? PROTESTING THE OBAMA PRESIDENCY?
THANK GOD!!!!!!! HAVE YOU SEEN A SMILING REPUBLICAN LATELY? THEY ARE WALKING AROUND LIKE THE TERRORISTS ,READY TO STRIKE AT ANY TIME.
The more the GOP acts like this, the more the American people see how foolish they really are. The GOP is no longer the party of the people...oops, it never was!
because you will lose !! makes the gop strong arm you!! party before country !!
Again Repub secretes found,Can't continue and won't context 2010.