Rumor: Commerce job for Locke?

Barack Obama may reach into Washington state one more time for spots in the administration. A Washington, D.C., source says former Washington Gov. Gary Locke is being considered for the Commerce Secretary’s job.

That’s been a tough one for Obama to fill. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg both accepted the nomination and then withdrew. Chances are the vetting and the understandings on both side will have to be solid before any announcement is made.

But Locke served two terms as governor, and worked very hard to expand the state’s international trade, particularly with Asia.

King County Executive Ron Sims has already been nominated for a spot at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.