Sources: Gregoire Could Replace Kagan

By Reid Wilson

WA Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) leads a short list to replace Solicitor General Elena Kagan, the WH has told members of Gregoire's home-state delegation.

Gregoire, a 2-term incumbent and a former WA AG, has been a rumored contender for other admin positions. But the WH has informed top aides to WA members that she is under serious consideration, according to several sources inside the delegation.

An admin official confirmed Gregoire's name is one of those being considered. Gregoire endorsed candidate Obama just before the WA caucuses in '08, offering a helping hand as Obama picked up two-thirds of the state's delegates.

Gregoire's appointment would elevate LG Brad Owen (D), a conservative Dem who has held his largely ceremonial post since '96. Several more prominent Dems have been angling to run for the state's top job in '12, when Gregoire was expected to pass on a third term.

http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/05/sources_gregoir.php