Washington - Mar 9, 2011 - Federal Communications Chairman Julius Genachowski is one of the candidates being considered to replace outgoing Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. President Obama has selected Locke to be the new U.S. Ambassador to China. Genachowski and Obama attended Harvard Law School together.

Other potential candidates' names being posted as Commerce candidates: US Trade Representative Ron Kirk, OMB Deputy Director for Management Jeff Zients, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Tom Nides, and Deputy Treasury Secretary Neil Wolin. Other sources note that Obama may appoint someone from the business world directly.

Update: Since this story broke, Josh Gottheimer, senior counselor to Genachowski, said Genachowski has no intention of leaving his position at the FCC.