Obama taps Pritzker, Froman for economic jobs

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is nominating longtime fundraiser and philanthropist Penny Pritzker to run the Commerce Department and economic adviser Michael Froman to be the U.S. Trade Representative. The president announced the nominations Thursday in a Rose Garden ceremony, where he promised to work them to the bone once they’re on the job. He says they will help strengthen the economy and increase a sense of security for the middle class. Pritzker is a Hyatt hotel heiress. She’s Obama’s final pick to fill a Cabinet post that has been vacant since former Secretary John Bryson resigned. Froman is one of Obama’s senior economic advisers and a former Citigroup executive. He is to replace Ron Kirk, who stepped down as trade representative in February.