The appointment of Senator Judd Gregg to lead the Commerce Department is another bipartisan gesture by President Obama. The Republican lawmaker can help him in Congressional battles, like the current one over the economic stimulus package, and in relations with the business sector. Nevertheless, his appointment raises questions about the 2010 census, which will also be under his jurisdiction.
Gregg’s history on this issue is not good. In the past, the Republican voted to eliminate the Commerce Department he is now appointed to direct, and he opposed giving the Clinton government emergency funding in order to conduct a proper census in 2000.
In the long debate over the census, Republicans have believed that a strict count of minorities benefits Democrats, and have therefore consistently opposed readjustments to rectify the undercounting of minority population.
This is why we are deeply concerned about the Gregg appointment to Commerce. We believe that he will follow Obama's directives for the agency that oversees a wide variety of areas, including the digital transition, ocean life, promotion of trade, and scientific resources, among others. Our fear, though, is that other priorities may push aside the importance of national headcount or that it will be undertaken reluctantly due to the Commerce Secretary’s lack of conviction and interest in the value of the census. We cannot afford this risk.
The figures obtained every 10 years are used to distribute federal funds for the next decade and to redistribute political power so it is representative of the demographic changes that have occurred over that period.
Naming a Census Bureau Director who is an experienced person committed to the mission of an accurate headcount, with the skills to manage an operation of this magnitude, would be a significant statement. Such is the case of Kenneth Pruitt, former director of the 2000 census,
A few weeks back we recognized the value of naming Pruitt. At that time Pruitt had shown indications of interest in the position. Now this possibility gains even more importance with the appointment of Gregg as Commerce Secretary. The agency must be committed to making every effort to conduct an accurate national census, and Pruitt’s designation will be a good sign in this regard.
The White House’s bipartisan efforts are welcome, but President Obama must be careful that their side effects do not harm minorities and the poor, who are hardest to count.
The appointment of Senator Judd Gregg to lead the Commerce Department is another bipartisan gesture by President Obama. The Republican lawmaker can help him in Congressional battles, like the current one over the economic stimulus package, and in relations with the business sector. Nevertheless, his appointment raises questions about the 2010 census, which will also be under his jurisdiction.
Gregg’s history on this issue is not good. In the past, the Republican voted to eliminate the Commerce Department he is now appointed to direct, and he opposed giving the Clinton government emergency funding in order to conduct a proper census in 2000.
In the long debate over the census, Republicans have believed that a strict count of minorities benefits Democrats, and have therefore consistently opposed readjustments to rectify the undercounting of minority population.
This is why we are deeply concerned about the Gregg appointment to Commerce. We believe that he will follow Obama's directives for the agency that oversees a wide variety of areas, including the digital transition, ocean life, promotion of trade, and scientific resources, among others. Our fear, though, is that other priorities may push aside the importance of national headcount or that it will be undertaken reluctantly due to the Commerce Secretary’s lack of conviction and interest in the value of the census. We cannot afford this risk.
The figures obtained every 10 years are used to distribute federal funds for the next decade and to redistribute political power so it is representative of the demographic changes that have occurred over that period.
Naming a Census Bureau Director who is an experienced person committed to the mission of an accurate headcount, with the skills to manage an operation of this magnitude, would be a significant statement. Such is the case of Kenneth Pruitt, former director of the 2000 census,
