Mel Watt for Commerce Secretary?

Democratic U.S. Rep. Mel Watt today kept open the door to joining the Obama administration, even though it wasn't the president who opened it.

That would be Rep. Marcia Fudge, an Ohio Democrat and chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. She wrote President Obama a letter recommending Watt as Secretary of Commerce and Rep. Barbara Lee of California as Labor secretary.

"Both Melvin Watt and Barbara Lee have served the American people in the United States House of Representatives and the citizens of their respective Congressional districts with distinction," Fudge wrote. "Congressman Watt and Congresswoman Lee are exceptionally well-qualified, proven candidates. It is without reservation that I urge you to strongly consider this recommendation."

"It is always an honor when your colleagues think highly enough of your abilities and experiences to nominate you to a Cabinet level position, especially Secretary of Commerce," Watt said in a statement to my colleague Franco Ordonez. "While I would be honored to discuss this recommendation with the White House, my current focus continues to be serving the 12th District of North Carolina and working with leaders to ... strengthen a robust economy."