When former governor Gary Locke accepted Obama's Commerce Secretary appointment, he had to leave a cushy job at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP and move to DC. Now, he's expected to divest all of his Microsoft stock as he continues to adapt to the heavy demands of his new national role. Boeing and Microsoft both contributed the maximum amount allowed to his re-election campaign, and now watchdog groups have their eye on Locke to make sure he's not unduly fond of Washington businesses. Here's hoping his heart never hardens entirely towards Washington; we want him back someday! more ›

Here. The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (that's a weird combination, isn't it?) is talking to Gary Locke right now as part of his confirmation process to become Commerce Secretary. If you have nothing else to do, this seems like a fun way to kill an hour with your morning coffee. more ›

There's something touching about this photo, and it's not just the lovey-dovey fries-and-milkshake. There's that copper-colored wrapper around the Dick's burger, the twinkle of autumn light on the leaves outside, the loving, respectful way the two figures look at each other, mid-bite. In case you haven't heard, the dude is Gary Locke, former governor, and gal is his wife, Mona, and it looks like he'll be joining the Obama administration as Secretary of Commerce. No freaking French dinners on the DC party circuit for the Lockes, merci beaucoup, we're in the hands of a guy who knows the value of a 19-cent burger. Okay, it's more than that now, but that's what it cost 55 years ago, when Dick Spady started the biz in Wallingford. Bodes well, in our opinion, for the future of international trade and the virtures of moderate consumption. more ›