By Bill Brown, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-826636.mp3
Dallas, TX – Former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk is the country's new U.S. Trade Representative. The Senate voted 92 to 5 to confirm the Texan's nomination to the high post in the Obama administration. The move is drawing cheers around North Texas, as we hear from KERA reporter Bill Brown.
The vote in the Senate was almost unanimous for Ron Kirk. As chief U.S. trade representative he'll tackle big problems in the midst of a global recession. Texas' senior senator, Kay Bailey Hutchison says Kirk is up to the job.
Jim Oberwetter, head of the greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, says President Obama has made a great choice.
Oberwetter: "He is, of course, a great representative from our city to send out to the world. The skill set he takes into a position that is almost unique. He's become a skilled negotiator, and that's what this is all about, representing America in trade negotiations around the world, and making sure that we come out fairly."
Dallas attorney Jeff Chapman says he and Kirk have been good friends for 20 years. They've worked closely together in the law firm of Vinson and Elkins.
Chapman: "Some sadness that he's leaving. We're gonna miss him but we're welling with pride. He's able to bridge gaps between people and bring people together. He's gonna do an awesome job, a very very effective job as U.S.Trade Representative. I'm optimistic that Texas is gonna do well with Ron in Washington."
One of the first big challenges Kirk could face is right on Texas's southern border. After the U.S. said it will stop Mexican trucks from entering this country, in retaliation, Mexico is threatening to slap millions of dollars in tariffs on American-made imports.