Graham to block Commerce nominee over Boeing complaint - The Hill's Transportation Report (Why???)

Graham to block Commerce nominee over Boeing complaint - The Hill's Transportation Report

President Obama has nominated John Bryson to be the new Secretary of Commerce. Bryson is a member of the Board of Directors of Boeing, and has been critical of the NLRB's lawsuit against Boeing over a questionable/potential transfer of jobs from Washington State to a new plant in South Carolina.

Nonetheless, SC Senator Lindsey Graham will block Bryson's nomination unless the White House comes out in favor of Boeing.

Does that strike anyone as odd?

President Obama's selected a long time energy expert, attorney and CEO of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison. Strong business background and solid career with a slant to energy issues. Graham hasn't stated Bryson isn't qualified for the position. This is pure politics.

Consider that one of the more common complaints against President Obama has been his penchant for "flying solo" and ignoring the advice of other, more experienced politicians and government and military officials. The National Labor Relations Board is an Independent Agency of the Federal Government, with President Obama holding no power over Agency heads or members. If the President would comply with Sen. Graham's request, couldn't some then accuse the President and this Administration of interfering with an Agency that's supposed to be separate from the Executive Branch of our Federal Government?

Further, if this case does go to trial, (which they usually don't,) wouldn't a sharp attorney representing the NLRB cry foul against the administration's publicly siding with Boeing?

Congress authorizes these agencies to function in a fashion not tethered to the Executive Branch, as in Cabinet positions-which report directly to the President.

Sen. Graham's request is a thinly veiled political stunt which flies in the face of common sense. Its purpose is to pander to his constituency, which he's expected to re-elect him in 2014.

Sources:

http://thehill.com/blogs/transportation-report/aviation/166145-gop-sen-graham-to-block-obamas-commerce-nominee

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_agencies_of_the_United_States_government