By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-807681.mp3
Dallas, TX – President-Elect Barack Obama is expected to name former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk as U.S. Trade Representative today. KERA's BJ Austin reports Kirk will bring a pro-trade attitude and polished political skills to the global stage.
Ron Kirk was the first black Mayor of Dallas, elected in 1995. He served until 2001 when he resigned to run for the U.S. Senate, but lost to John Cornyn. He's also a former Texas Secretary of State and currently a partner in the law firm Vinson & Elkins.
As Mayor, Kirk led several overseas trips to scout new and expanded trade opportunities for Dallas. However, he is little known in Washington trade circles. And Republican Senator Charles Grassley, who chairs the committee that would confirm Kirk's appointment, questions the former Mayor's qualifications. But Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce President Jan Hart Black says Senator Grassley needn't worry about Ron Kirk.
Black: He placed great emphasis when he was mayor on promoting trade between this region and other regions throughout the world, so he does not come without experience to this kind of job.
Black and Texas Instruments' Phil Ritter say Kirk's real strengths for the job are his negotiating skills and political savvy.
Black: I think he is really unique in his ability to negotiate through difficult issues.
Ritter: And, you look for somebody who can listen to both sides and craft creative solutions that can move through the Congress. And that skill set, that political creativity and judgment, is something that Ron Kirk has exhibited throughout his career. I think Ron's greatest contribution will be navigating the difficult political waters of the trade agenda.
Ritter says political gridlock on trade is not good for the stumbling economy.
Kirk is likely to face questions about NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, during confirmation hearings. President-elect Obama has indicted he wants to add stronger labor and environmental provision to NAFTA. Kirk was an early supporter of the trade agreement.