KPCC heading to DC

Kitty Felde is heading to Washington, DC to open a new bureau for public radio station KPCC. LA Observed has the press release - which, somewhat bizarrely, quotes local congressmen saying it's a swell idea.

Becerra stays put

Rep. Xavier Becerra announced today that he plans to remain in Congress, rather than take on the job of U.S. Trade Representative under President Barack Obama. Here's a portion of a statement his office put out today:

This evening Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31) announced his intentions to continue his service as the representative of California’s 31st Congressional District and to devote his energies to the challenges ahead of him as the incoming Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and as a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means.

-snip-

“Working for and with incoming President Barack Obama would be an opportunity of a lifetime. I will get to experience that thrill… by working by his side in the People’s House just down the street from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue."

Team of hopefuls*

The Los Angeles Times looks at the possible successors to Rep. Xavier Becerra, who might be leaving office to become U.S. Trade Representative under President Barack Obama. As predicted, LA Councilman Eric Garcetti is on the list, along with state Sen. Gil Cedillo and LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina.

*UPDATED: Becerra is said to be meeting with Obama today in Chicago. Not sure if this is a second meeting between the two about the job (Politico reported that the two were set to meet yesterday in Chicago), but it looks to me like the deal is being sealed.

Becerra, I hardly knew ye (Updated from yesterday)

President-elect Obama has reportedly tapped Rep. Xavier Becerra, who happens to be my congressman, for the position of U.S. Trade Representative.

From CQ Politics:

Becerra is weighing whether to give up his House seniority and newly won spot as vice chairman of the Democratic Caucus to take the Cabinet-level post, a source close to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus said. But another Democratic source said the job has been offered and accepted.

If the offer was made, I'd guess he'll take the job.

Question: If Becerra leaves, will L.A. City Councilman Eric Garcetti, a fervent Obama supporter, run for the open seat? Garcetti is up for re-election on March 3 and that could complicate things.

UPDATE: Becerra took the time to write a nice press release congratulating Bill Richardson on his nomination to be Commerce secretary. Interestingly, one of the responsibilities of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is to coordinate policy with the Department of Commerce.

From the press release:

Bill Richardson is an exceptional choice to lead the Department of Commerce as we confront one of the most economically challenging times in our history. Governor Richardson brings a wealth of experience and a keen understanding of today’s global economy to the position. Bill will be a skilled and fierce advocate for the interests of American businesses and workers at home and around the world.

UPDATE II: Becerra will meet with Obama in Chicago and is expected to express some concerns, Politico reports:

California Rep. Xavier Becerra, who’s under consideration to become the U.S. trade representative, is meeting today in Chicago with President-elect Barack Obama. Close colleagues say Becerra, a rising Democratic star in the House, is concerned the job isn’t officially a Cabinet level post and wants assurances about access to Obama.