In place of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who withdrew his name, a third Republican finds his way into the President Barack Obama’s cabinet – Senator Judd Gregg, who has been appointed as the Commerce Secretary. The other two Republicans are Defence Secretary Robert Gates and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

As regards his choice of Senator Gregg for the post, Obama said that Gregg – one of the most well-known and steadfast fiscal conservatives in the Senate - is the right person to head the Commerce Department for steering it towards the economic objectives of the administration.

In addition, Obama said that in the wake of the difficulties his government is facing to make Republican lawmakers turn around to his stimulus plan, there is more than ever the need of bipartisan efforts for reviving the US economy.

Obama said: “He is a master of reaching across the aisle to get things done.”

The New Hampshire Republican, who barely knew Obama, has that he was “stunned” when Obama asked him to visit the transition office, a few days prior to his inauguration, to talk about the job of the Commerce Secretary.

Saying that he is impressed with the new president thus far, and welcomes the prospect of lending a helping hand in fixing the economy, Gregg added: “This economy has thrown a lot of people in the boat together, and we’re all trying to row together!”