The Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire is reporting that Rep. Rosa DeLauro is a top contender for Labor Secretary:
Rep. Rosa DeLauro is also a top contender in the protracted hunt for a Labor secretary and according to sources familiar with her travels, the Connecticut Democrat has traveled to Chicago.
I don't know much about Rep. DeLauro's record on labor, so I'll leave that up to y'all to discus.
UPDATE: Great catch Ryan...here's a quick rundown of her credentials.
DeLauro has been a congresswoman since 1990 and currently sits on the labor, health and human services, and education subcommittee of the appropriations committee. She's been a leader on health policy and workers' rights, sponsoring legislation to guarantee employees' sick leave and equal pay for men and women. She previously served as the executive director of EMILY's List and is the second-highest ranking woman in the House. Earlier this year, she came to the defense of New Haven labor unions, which were protesting food services giant Aramark's treatment of workers. So, while she may not be a labor insider with strong ties to Michigan and other union hubs, she's reliably progressive on the issues. "You want someone who knows how to work the Hill, and she does more so than Harley," the labor expert added. "I can see [unions] preferring to sitting down with a politician."
Everyone, please feel free to add to the mix.
UPDATE 2 Scarce: The Associated Press is now reporting it's Hilda Solis. A good to excellent choice, imo.
A labor official says Rep. Hilda Solis of California will be nominated as labor secretary by President-elect Barack Obama.
UPDATE 3 CTB: Rep DeLauro issued the following statement:
"I am honored to have been considered by President-elect Obama for Secretary of Labor. I did not seek this position, as my passion is the work I do for people in Connecticut and the changes I can bring in the U.S. Congress."
"I met with President-elect Obama in Chicago this past week for 45 minutes. We had a very serious conversation about restoring protections for employees, the economic crisis and events impacting women. It further affirmed the importance of him succeeding to bring the change the country needs."
"I am delighted with his choice of my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Hilda Solis. She will do an excellent job in an a department where change is sorely needed. I look forward to working with her, President-elect Obama and his entire cabinet to get this country back on track."
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