Sending Montana Democratic Sen. Max Baucus off as the next U.S. ambassador to China could solve several problems for President Barack Obama, including removing one of
Obamacare's most vocal opponents from Capitol Hill.
Earlier this year, the outspoken lawmaker famously referred to Obamacare as a "huge train wreck," saying it would be a failure if the government couldn't afford money for research,
reports The Washington Post.
Baucus has also compared the HealthCare.gov launch to
"Humpty Dumpty" with questions about whether the website could be eventually successful.
Removing Baucus from Washington means taking the outspoken critic away from his chairmanship of the Finance Committee since 2007. Baucus plans to retire next year, and ordinarily would be followed in the seat by second-ranking Democrat member Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W. Va.
However, like Baucus, Rockefeller plans to retire after next year, so Baucus' seat, if he leaves early, is expected to be taken by Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, the current chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senate aides told The Washington Post. Wyden has criticized the White House's healthcare plans in the past, but he is not as strident with his opposition as Baucus.
But there are other possible reasons beyond Obamacare for the president to nominate Baucus, The Post reports.
Baucus, 72, is leaving office next year, but Republicans are expected to take the red state next year with Rep. Steve Daines.
However, if Baucus steps down early, The Post speculates, Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock can appoint a Democratic replacement who would be able to run for a full six-year term in 2014. Lt. Gov. John Walsh is already running for the seat, but if he is appointed to it early, he would be the incumbent when the election takes place, giving him an advantage over other candidates.
Obama's 2012 campaign manager, Jim Messina, who is Baucus' former top hand, may also be considering a campaign, The Post reports, so his name could also be in the short list to fill Baucus' seat.
Baucus though, does have extensive experience in China, having visited eight times. He also lead U.S. efforts in the 1990s to persuade China to enter the World Trade Organization and worked to establish Permanent Normal Trade Relations between the two countries.
In addition, Baucus has hosted Chinese trade delegations in both Montana and Washington D.C.
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