Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Tech Groups Hail New Commerce Dept. Pick

High-tech stakeholders on Wednesday lauded President Barack Obama's third pick for Commerce secretary -- former Washington Gov. Gary Locke -- after his two other choices for the post, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., both withdrew. "I'm sure it's not lost on anyone that we've tried this a couple of times, but I'm a big believer in keeping at something until you get it right," Obama joked upon announcing Locke's nomination. He went on to praise his work wooing high-tech and other businesses to Washington state.

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John (Jay) Rockefeller said the Commerce Department "has a major role to play in rebuilding our economy" and Locke is an excellent choice to run the show. "He is a seasoned executive, he understands the importance of economic development at the state level, and he is a life-long advocate and champion for American productivity," Rockefeller said. Ranking member Kay Bailey Hutchison said she hoped Locke "will be proactive in helping U.S. businesses' marketing efforts abroad and be an advocate from within the administration for responsible tax and regulatory policies."

Software and Information Industry Association President Ken Wasch touted Locke's executive experience and noted that Washington state "has the most manufacturing export-related jobs of any in the country." "Gov. Locke understands the need for America to compete in the global economic marketplace," Wasch said. SIIA General Counsel Mark Bohannon added the department's agenda - ensuring quality patents, opening markets and removing barriers to trade, advancing the U.S. technology base, and implementing export controls - factors importantly into economic recovery.

High-tech lobbying group TechNet also praised Locke's nomination, saying he "keenly understands that the United States competes in a global economy and that our nation must strongly support promising innovation." TechNet said they worked with Locke as governor on innovation and trade issues and they look forward to continuing that relationship. Business Software Alliance President Robert Holleyman stressed Locke's background will help him understand what some argue are much-needed reforms to the U.S. patent system. Additionally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce wrote about Locke's intellectual property track record here.