A number of Arizonans and national leaders are urging President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team to name U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Tucson) as secretary of the Department of Interior.
Natalie Luna, Grijalva's communications director, told PolitickerAZ.com that a number of environmental groups and other activists within the district have been contacting the transition team to push for Grijalva's nomination.
Also, former 1st Congressional District Democratic primary candidate Howard Shanker, an attorney who has worked extensively on environmental litigation, put out an editorial Monday in which he called Grijalva, "a visionary when it comes to responsible stewardship and multiple use of public lands."
"He brings a true understanding of 'multiple use and a balanced, common sense, approach to the table that is sorely needed," wrote Shanker. "The appointment of Raul Grijalva as Secretary of the Interior presents a rare opportunity to bring a uniquely qualified candidate, with true grass-roots ties, and a broad based progressive bent to the Cabinet."
Grijalva is getting additional help from his colleagues in Washington, D.C.
The Hill reports that the Congressional Hispanic Caucus sent a letter to the transition team Tuesday, pressing for five of its members, including Grijalva, to be considered to cabinet posts in the new administration. Given the high level of speculation in the national press, Grivjalva at Interior may be the likeliest among them.
U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Colo.) has been another name tossed around for the position, but the Pueblo (Colo.) Chieftain reported Tuesday that Salazar's star is fading as a possible Interior secretary, leaving Grijalva at the top of the list.
A person with Grijalva's background would be a benefit to the country, said C.J. Karamargin, spokesman for U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Tucson), whose district borders Grijalva's.
"Obviously [Giffords and Grijalva] have worked together closely over past two years on whole host of issues," Karamargin told PolitickerAZ.com. "He's been a true champion in his efforts to preserve the natural resources of Arizona."
However, Karamargin stopped short of saying Giffords was actively trying help Grijalva get the post.
"It's up to the president-elect to decide who he wants on his team," Karamargin said. "It's a very lengthy, detailed, difficult process picking the best people to head these very large federal agencies."
How far along Obama and his team are in deciding who to nominate to the post is still a mystery - even to Grijalva and his office.
"The chatter we hear is that he's still a top contender," said Natalie Luna. However, she said Grijalva still has not been contacted about the position by Obama or the transition team, and she has no knowledge of any vetting that might be going on.
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