Looks like Chicago businesswoman Penny Pritzker's role as U.S. Commerce Secretary is nearly in the bag.
The Wall Street Journal reports President Barack Obama will nominate the fundraiser and Hyatt hotel scion for the post this week, ending “months of speculation." Pritzker, whose family launched the Hyatt hotel chain in the '70s, had been considered for the job four years ago but ultimately withdrew.
The move comes a month after Pritzker stepped down from the Chicago Board of Education.
"I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve the City of Chicago, its children and families, during these last two years," she wrote in her letter of resignation. "Education is critical to ensuring every child has an opportunity to succeed, and I wholeheartedly support the work that you are doing to improve Chicago schools."
It was reported in January that Obama was again considering Pritzker as his choice for commerce secretary. She withdrew her name after running the finances for Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.
Obama also is expected to nominate Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Anthony Foxx as secretary of transportation, and Deputy White House national security adviser Michael Froman is in line to be U.S. trade representative.
