UPDATE: GOP leader: Sen. Gregg departure won't shift power

WASHINGTON (AP) - No change in the Senate's balance of power if New Hampshire Republican Judd Gregg leaves to become commerce secretary.

By: Associated Press | WNCT
Published: February 01, 2009

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WASHINGTON (AP) - No change in the Senate's balance of power if New Hampshire Republican Judd Gregg leaves to become commerce secretary.

That's the word from the Senate's top Republican, Mitch McConnell. He says Gregg has assured fellow GOP senators of that.

McConnell says Gregg has promised he would be replaced by someone who would affiliate with other Republicans in the Senate.

McConnell's comments suggest Gregg has negotiated a deal that would allow New Hampshire's Democratic governor to name either a Republican or Republican-leaning replacement. That would leave Senate Democrats short of a 60-member, fillibuster-proof majority.

Officials say Obama is set to make Gregg his third Republican Cabinet official as early as Monday.

McConnell spoke on CBS' "Face the Nation."

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