It’s being widely reported that, should Senator Judd Gregg accept a position in the Obama Administration, Gov. John Lynch will appoint Republican Bonnie Newman. When you look at the facts, this makes sense, because both the Guv and Ms. Newman are creatures of the state university system. Jonathan Martin broke the story on the Politico:
Bonnie Newman, a moderate Republican who endorsed New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat, in 2004, has emerged as the leading contender to replace Judd Gregg should the three-term GOP senator be appointed Commerce secretary, according to a well-connected New Hampshire source.
Newman served as Gregg’s chief of staff when he was a congressman in the early 80s and later went on to work for Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush in mid-level posts.
Hmm. A "moderate" Republican that has basically been a creature of the academic, government or non profit sectors in one form or other for almost her entire working life. Someone that no doubt believes in government and all its present trappings– no "less government, less regulations, less taxes" mantras here, I’d bet. Otherwise, why support Democrat John Lynch who has overseen the rapid expansion of government spending here in the Granite State since first elected?
But then again, with the way ole Juddzo’s been voting lately, does it really matter? At least the way things are shaking out, perhaps a good conservative within the GOP ranks will have time to put together a credible and formidable campaign for the seat in 2010. I’d say that by then, the folks will be having a significant case of buyer’s remorse with both the Magic Obama and the Pelosi-led, Democratic Congress. With Judd Gregg languishing around making moves towards a run in 2010 for re-election, tacking leftward every step of the way, this could have posed a problem for those of us wishing to remedy that in the primary. With a cabinet post and his resignation from the US Senate, an opportunity has suddenly appeared where there was once none.
As to Ms. Newman, here is a pretty complete bio (circa 2006) I found at the Partnership For a Child-Safe Internet’s website. In 2006, she was the Interim President of UNH…
J. Bonnie Newman’s career spans the public, private, nonprofit and academic sectors. She is Former Executive Dean at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Ms. Newman is a Director of Citizens Advisors, Lumina Foundation, Markem Corporation and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. She is Chairman of the United States Naval Academy Board of Visitors and a member of The Economic Club of New York.
Her past appointments include service on the President’s Export Council, an advisory board on US trade policy, and the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services. She is a former Director of NYNEX Telecommunications, New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, Perini Corporation, Consumers Water Company, Sallie Mae Corporation, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, Strawbery Banke Museum, New Hampshire Public Television, the New Hampshire Industrial Development Authority, Indian Head Banks, Fleet Bank of New Hampshire, and Public Service Company of New Hampshire (electric utility).
In the public sector Ms. Newman served in the Reagan and Bush administrations. From 1989 until 1991 she served as Assistant to the President for Management and Administration, where she oversaw all administrative operations for the White House and Executive Office of the President during the transition and administration of George H.W. Bush. President Ronald Reagan nominated Ms. Newman to the position of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development and the United States Senate confirmed her appointment in February 1984. Earlier she served as Associate Director of the Office of Presidential Personnel at the White House and Chief of Staff for New Hampshire Congressman Judd Gregg.
In addition to serving from 2000-2005 as Executive Dean at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Ms. Newman’s academic positions include engagements at the University of New Hampshire as Interim Dean of the Whittemore School of Business and Economics from 1998-1999, Dean of Students from 1972-1978 and as Assistant Dean of Students from 1969-1972.
In the private sector, Ms. Newman has been active as a private investor in the financing and development of early stage entrepreneurial opportunities. Ms. Newman is the founder and former owner of Coastal Broadcasting Corporation, licensee of WZEA-FM radio. She also held the position of Executive Vice President with Exeter Trust Company. From 1985 through 1988 Ms. Newman served as President of the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire and in 1988 was named President of the New England Council Inc., a regional business association. She served as Executive Director of the Forum on New Hampshire’s Future from 1978 through 1980.
A resident of North Hampton, New Hampshire, Ms. Newman received her B.A. degree in sociology from St. Joseph’s College and her M.Ed. degree in higher education administration from The Pennsylvania State University. She has honorary degrees from Rivier College, Notre Dame College, Keene State College, St. Joseph’s College, and New Hampshire College. Awards include the University of New Hampshire’s Granite State Award for distinguished public service, the Public Relations Society’s Yankee Award for outstanding accomplishment as a public relations professional, the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire’s Lifetime Achievement Award for professional, community, and state-wide leadership, the New England Council’s Leadership Award to Women in Business, the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus Abigail Adams Award for her commitment to the political, economic and social advancement of women and in 2005 she was named an Alumni Fellow by The Pennsylvania State University.