WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama named a third prominent Republican to his cabinet on Tuesday, nominating Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire as commerce secretary.
A respected lawmaker and accomplished negotiator, Gregg, 61, is the ranking Republican on the Senate Budget Committee. He could play a key role in selling Obama's nearly $900 billion stimulus package to members of his party.
Gregg has said he would not take the cabinet job if it pushed Obama's Democrats closer to the 60-seat mark in the Senate, thereby allowing them to pass laws more easily. New Hampshire's governor, who would name Gregg's replacement, has indicated he may select a Republican. (Editing by Eric Walsh)