WASHINGTON–In nominating former Washington State Gov. Gary Locke as Secretary of Commerce on Feb. 25 at the White House, President Barack Obama pointed out, “Gary knows the American Dream. He's lived it. And that's why he shares my commitment to do whatever it takes to keep it alive in our time.”

Locke is the country’s first Chinese American governor. He served for two terms from 1997 to 2005. He is also the first Asian American governor of a mainland state. In the 1990s, Filipino American Ruben Cayetano became the first Asian American governor of Hawaii.

The President added: “It is the task of the Department of Commerce to help create conditions in which our workers can prosper, our businesses can thrive, and our economy can grow. That's what Gary did in Washington State, convincing businesses to set up shop and create the jobs of the 21st century–jobs in science and technology, agriculture and energy–jobs that pay well and can't be shipped overseas.”

Secretary-Designate Locke, 59, told the story of his family's journey to this nation and their struggle for success, offering it is an example of American ingenuity and determination, according to a White House report.

Locke added: “My family's story is America’s story. Our story is just one of hundreds of millions since the birth of our nation, of people coming from every part of the world in pursuit of the American Dream of freedom, hope and opportunity. In hard times, Americans have rallied together, sacrificed and even given their lives for our country, because they believe in the essential goodness and promise of America.”

Locke stressed: “The Department of Commerce plays a critical role in nurturing innovation, expanding global markets, protecting and managing our ocean fisheries, and fostering economic growth. The Department of Commerce can and will help create the jobs and the economic vitality our nation needs.”

Asian Americans Elated

Asian American organizations immediately hailed the choice, led by the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA), a national Asian Pacific American social justice organization.

“OCA is pleased that President Obama will add Gary Locke to his diverse Cabinet,” said OCA National President Ken Lee. "Upon his confirmation, we look forward to working with him, knowing that his position will be of utmost importance during this critical economic time. I know Gary personally and he is the right person for the job.”

The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) National President Larry Oda said Locke “is well qualified and will be a great asset to the President's Cabinet."

JACL, the nation's oldest and largest Asian American civil and human rights organization, urged the US Senate to quickly confirm Locke for the post.

National Executive Director Floyd Mori said, “Gary Locke has been a great example to the Asian Pacific American community. We endorse his candidacy, and encourage a swift approval for Gary Locke to fill the important position of the United States Secretary of Commerce.”

The Department of Commerce oversees many aspects of international trade. It is also responsible for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the 2010 Census.

Obama’s statement

Excerpts from the President’s statement: “Gary knows the American Dream. He's lived it. And that's why he shares my commitment to do whatever it takes to keep it alive in our time.

“It is the task of the Department of Commerce to help create conditions in which our workers can prosper, our businesses can thrive, and our economy can grow. That's what Gary did in Washington state, convincing businesses to set up shop and create the jobs of the 21st century–jobs in science and technology; agriculture and energy–jobs that pay well and can't be shipped overseas. That's what he did by establishing favorable markets abroad where Washington state's businesses could sell their products. That's what he did by unleashing powerful partnerships between state and local governments, between labor and business–all with an eye toward prosperity and progress for all those in his state who had dreams of their own.”

President Obama’s first two choices for the post were New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and Sen. Judd Gregg (R, New Hampshire). Richardson withdrew in January, saying he would focus on clearing his name over a grand jury investigation in the awarding of contracts in his state. Gregg also withdrew his name for consideration, citing major policy differences.

AP reported Locke was briefly linked to the scandal over foreign contributions to President Bill Clinton's reelection campaign in 1996. But a House committee hearing showed no evidence Locke knowingly accepted illegal campaign donations, the report added.

Locke attended Yale University and earned a law degree from the Boston University School of Law in 1975. He joined the Seattle office of international law firm Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. He is married to Mona Lee Locke, a former TV news reporter. They have three children: Emily Nicole, Dylan James and Madeline Lee.