Obama cabinet member to lead UW-Madison
WASHINGTON (AP) — Acting Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank is leaving the Obama administration to serve as chancellor at UW-Madison.
President Barack Obama announced Blank’s departure in a statement Monday. He said Blank has distinguished herself as a "steady leader and a vital member of my economic team."
Blank joined the Commerce Department in 2009 as an economic adviser and was later promoted to deputy secretary. She was named acting secretary last year after John Bryson suffered a seizure and resigned.
The president has not named a nominee to run the department permanently. Top Obama fundraiser Penny Pritzker is considered a leading candidate for the post.
The UW Board of Regents is scheduled to vote on Blank's appointment April 5, according to a UW-Madison statement. Blank would succeed Interim Chancellor David Ward.
Gov. Scott Walker issued this statement: "Dr. Blank is a great pick for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has excellent academic credentials and strong leadership experience. Equally as important, she has a keen knowledge of economic issues that can help the UW promote great prosperity in the state."
Mar 19, 2013 at 2:06 p.m.
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Strong résumé. Relative centrist. Hard not to feel good about this appointment.
Mar 19, 2013 at 12:49 p.m.
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carlitosway
Yes, even Governor Walker said that Blank was a good choice.
Mar 19, 2013 at 8:18 a.m.
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You righties just cannot handle when a good thing happens and Great choice for the UW, Poor dear dear Walker cannot control all things in this state . The only mice on a sinking ship would be the GOP RATS that are slowly going away. If Blank was a choice by Obama It is a GREAT choice for UW.
Mar 19, 2013 at 7:18 a.m.
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Good Lord people! UW is one great place for ALL mankind! When they develop new ways to cure diseases and illness along with medical advancements all you righties can think about is if their political views are left or right?! Who gives a rats behind!!
There lies the difference between left and right. The left is in it for ALL mankind and the right is in it just for themselves!
Mar 19, 2013 at 5:38 a.m.
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Typical leftie in a typical leftie environment. No surprise.
Mar 18, 2013 at 11:27 p.m.
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more mice jumping the sinking ship.
Mar 18, 2013 at 9:15 p.m.
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"Acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Rebecca M. Blank, who said during a recent visit to the University of Wisconsin-Madison that she's tired of political battles in Washington and has always considered college campuses her home, will become the next chancellor of Wisconsin's flagship university this summer."
Milwaukee JS
Great choice, but I'm afraid she won't be rid of the political battles.
Mar 18, 2013 at 8:32 p.m.
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Awesome choice! Righties need apply elsewhere!!!!
Mar 18, 2013 at 6:41 p.m.
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Another Lefty at the helm of U of Lefties
Mar 18, 2013 at 4:30 p.m.
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why ? put a fox in the hen house
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