The Governor of Rhode Island is emerging as a leading candidate for the Department of Commerce

Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo has emerged as the leading candidate for commerce secretary to President-elect Joe Biden, according to people familiar with the matter.

why does it matter: Raymondo, a Rhodes researcher who co-founded a venture capital firm in Rhode Island earlier in her career, prioritized good relationships with the business community, the target audience for commerce.

• However, Raimundo has also clashed with unions as she works to fix pension plans for public servants in Rhode Island.
• She also served as the national co-chair of Mike Bloomberg’s presidential campaign, endorsing Biden only after the former New York mayor withdrew.
• A Biden transition official declined to comment.

The Big Picture: Biden He was thinking A prominent CEO or Republican to lead the Commerce Department.

• When considering Raimondo, it appears to be moving to a more traditional option.
• Raymondo, 49, the former president of the Democratic Governor’s Association, is considered a rising star in her party

The plot: Raymondo was also under consideration to work as Secretary of Health and Human Services, a position that eventually transferred to California State Attorney Xavier Becera.

• In early December, she appeared to be graduating from the race by saying during a press conference, „I will not be President-elect Biden’s nominee for the position of Secretary to HHS.“