Several Wisconsin Democrats and Republicans said Monday they were pleased with the selection of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton as President-elect Barack Obama’s secretary of state.
Clinton, who ran against Obama in the 2008 primary election cycle, would be the third female secretary of state if confirmed by the United States Senate.
Members of both parties said Clinton is qualified and ready to take the position.
Rep. Tom Petri, R-Fond du Lac, said the choice of Clinton for secretary of state showed good judgment on Obama’s part, adding he was confident in her abilities as a diplomat.
“Sen. Clinton is an able and hard-working individual with a wealth of experience,” Petri said. “She has a broad perspective on many issues, so it makes sense to choose her over a career diplomat.”
Alec Loftus, communications director for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, said Clinton was an “excellent choice” for secretary of state and that her reputation will garner admiration from world leaders.
“Her time in public service has given her broad exposure to foreign policy, so I don’t think lack of experience is an issue,” Loftus said. “She will command respect from around the world.”
Petri referred to Hillary Clinton’s independent demeanor, saying she was “no shrinking violet.”
Loftus said Hillary Clinton has the independence and experience to make decisions on her own.
“Sen. Clinton will surround herself with a qualified staff, but will likely draw on her expertise to make her own decisions,” he said.
While some pundits believe that an overabundance of Democrats from the Bill Clinton White House may undermine Obama’s theme of change touted in the election, Loftus said Hillary Clinton will help facilitate the changes Obama promoted during his campaign.
Hillary Clinton is one of many nominations Obama made to cabinet-level positions that worked in the Bill Clinton administration in some form. Other nominations include U.S. Attorney General nominee Eric Holder and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice.
“President-elect Obama has chosen the most qualified candidate to help bring about the changes he wants to bring,” Loftus said.
U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, also praised Obama’s pick in a statement she released Monday.
“Sen. Clinton brings extraordinary intellect, knowledge and diplomatic skills to the job at a critical time in our nation’s history,” Baldwin said. “In choosing Sen. Clinton for this post, President-elect Obama has again shown wise judgment in his first steps toward restoring our standing in the world, reinforcing our alliances, confronting our enemies and creating the change we so desperately need.”
