Locke has threatened to sue the federal government if DOE misses more legal cleanup milestones. She has heard of three candidates to replace Peqa, who leaves June 30. She earlier had been chairwoman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. United Nations Ambassador Bill Richardson, a Hispanic, who served as a congressman from New Mexico for 14 years. U.S. Rep. Esteban Torres, D-Calif., also Hispanic, who recently approached Murray's office to say he is interested in the post.
Torres is an unknown quantity to Murray.
Congressional reference books say Torres has represented his Southern California district for 16 years, concentrating heavily on labor issues. In December 1996, he was considered a strong candidate for Secretary of Labor, but Clinton finally opted for Alexis Herman. Copyright 1998 Tri-City Herald. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.