US President-elect Barack Obama today named New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a former rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, as Commerce Secretary.
"Last week, Vice President-elect Biden and I began the process of announcing our economic team," Mr Obama said at a news conference.
"Today we are pleased to name another key member of this team - our nominee for Secretary of Commerce, my great friend, Governor Bill Richardson."
California congressman Xavier Becerra now appears to be a leading candidate to become Mr Obama's chief trade negotiator, US business lobbyists said.
Mr Becerra, a 50-year-old Democratic politician from Los Angeles, would be the first Hispanic to become US trade representative if selected for the job.
He would be a surprise choice after early speculation focused on Dan Tarullo and Lael Brainard, who both worked in the
White House on international economic issues under President Bill Clinton.
Reuters