President Obama was on the right track with nominating Judd Gregg. Sadly, Judd Gregg's unwillingness to compromise derailed his nomination. Still, Obama should appoint a Republican who is familiar with the interests of big business to the Commerce Secretary post. With that in mind, I think there is no one better for this position than Senator Susan Collins.
Senator Collins was a leader on the stimulus. She represented her point of view well, and most importantly, she came around to supporting the bill itself. As the American economy recovers, we need a Commerce Secretary who will represent the ideas of big business at the cabinet table. Susan Collins is more than capable of that.
Susan Collins would increase the gender-diversity of the Obama cabinet. Currently, only 5 of Obama's 14 cabinet members are women. This is disappointing to many feminists.
Susan Collins is a respected moderate who can be trusted to lead the Census in a non-partisan fashion. Collins has a track record of being able to listen to all sides, and bring them to a common sense agreement which everyone can live with. In short, she is the kind of Republican that would be willing to work with the Obama administration.
Oh, and as a bonus, Maine Governor John Baldacci (D) would get to appoint Senator Collins' replacement.
Side note: Judd Gregg's sudden withdraw doesn't pass my personal smell test. If he was fine with accepting the position two weeks ago--after the administration had outlined its stimulus plan--there should be no reason why he's unhappy with the more moderate version that is close to becoming law. I wonder what could cause Gregg's mind to suddenly change?