Striking again at the already-beleaguered Republican Party, President Obama today will announce the appointment of Rep. John McHugh (R-NY) as Secretary of the Army.
In tapping McHugh, the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, Obama sidelines yet another senior GOP lawmaker.
The veteran congressman from upstate New York joins his former colleague from Illinois, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, the Ambassador-designate to China, among the ranks of Republicans in the Obama administration, a list that nearly included Sen. Judd Gregg (N.H.) as Commerce Secretary. And McHugh’s appointment comes just over a month after administration officials helped push veteran Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter to switch from a Republican to a Democrat. Read the rest at Politico
Center for American Progress supports the pick:
"Congressman John McHugh (R-NY) is ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee and has a substantial record of taking care of our troops and ensuring a good quality of life for their families. McHugh has the skills to be a very effective secretary of the Army and open new doors for all Americans who want to serve their country."
