Blog at 6:56 a.m.:
The Senate's small Commerce Committee hearing room -- very small by Senate standards, no larger than a college basketball court -- is filling with staffers, lobbyists and friends of Gary Locke.

In a few minutes, confirmation hearings for the former Washington Governor and King County Executive begin. He'll be questioned by a slate of Senators from across the country, after he's formally introduced by homestate Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray.

Three small, white placards bearing their names sit on the empty witness table.

Blog at 7:02 a.m.:
If confirmed as the nation's newest Commerce Secretary, Locke would oversee - among many other things - the government's technological and mathmatical work. He'd run the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which works on the precision of government equipment and timing.

I mention this because ----- we're already running late. No Locke. No Senators. No explanation.

Blog at 7:14 a.m.:
Gary Locke and his wife walked in and exchanged hugs with Senator Maria Cantwell. Locke was surrounded for 2 minutes by a swarm of photographers (at least 8 of them) -- who triggered a dizzying sequence of flashbulbs in the room. It felt like paparazzi surrounding a Hollywood starlet.

Locke walked to the head of the room and offered handshakes and pleasantries with other Senators here. His first target: the top Republican on the committee, Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas. Republicans are expected to hit Locke with hard questions this morning. Locke's likely trying to soften the political ground.

Locke's wife sits in the front row of the hearing room. Senators Cantwell and Murray sit on either side of Locke at the witness table.

Locke would be the 36th Secretary of Commerce. The chairman of the committee, Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia, finally entered the room to begin the hearing. 12 minutes late. He offered no explanation.

Blog at 7:20 a.m.:
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller told Locke, "You must ensure that American workers can prosper and that businesses can thrive." Making direct, unyielding eye contact with Locke, Rockefeller just tipped his hand about the upcoming vote. Rockefeller said, "I'm very much for you."

Locke is nursing a small glass of water. The ice in the glass has quickly melted beneath the bright TV-friendly lights they've cranked up for today's hearing.

Republican Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has just started her opening remarks. Barely 30 seconds into the speech, Hutchison referenced the census. She said she's concerned about allegations the White House is trying to politicize the census review in 2010. Locke, as Commerce Secretary, would oversee it.

This is expected to be **the** focus of Republican questioning today. The census, though an obscure, bureauacratic expedition, is used to create congressional districts and federal aid formulas. (Members of Congress of both parties are known to be obsessive about such things)

Blog at 7:25 a.m.:
Hutchison just said, "Barring any unforseen questions or answers", a smooth connfirmation appears likely. A huge statement by the Republicans here.

This appears to be Locke's confirmation "to lose." Barring a major gaffe today or last-minute disocvery by Senate investigators, Washington's former Governor appears ready to trade one Washington for another.

Sen. Patty Murray is beginning her opening remarks. Her first words -- a thank you/hello to Locke's wife Mona. Mona smiled and raised her head a bit. A longtime TV personality, Locke's wife is sitting on the edge of camera range today. You might spot her occasionally, in the background, once the cameras shift to her husband.

Murray is reading her remarks from the papeers in front of her.

Blog at 7:32 a.m.:
Murray just said Locke was governor of America's "Most trade-dependent state." She said he's prepared to help improve U.S. trade opportunities too.

11 members of the Senate Commerce Committee have taken their seats for today's hearing. There are about a half dozen absentees among the Senators. None of them is looking at Murray, as she reads her remarks. Some are reading along with the hard copies they've received of Murray's speech. Others are fiddling with their blackberries.

(One aside: Senators have a great set-up. The elevated nameplates and audio panels on their desks hide their hands and their blackberries. At some hearings, witnesses at the main table can't tell if Senators are taking pertinent notes or emailing a lunch order to an aide.)

Cantwell has begun her remarks - focusing on the issue of fisheries. Yeah, the Commerce Secretary oversee fisheries issues too. His supporters say Locke's a particularly good fit for the job because of his experience with fishing issues in Washington state.

Cantwell, I should note, is a member of this Senate Commerce Committee. She'll ultimately vote on his confirmation.

Blog at 7:43 a.m.:

Senators Cantwell and Murray have departed their seats. Locke now sits alone at the witness table.

A female Senate aide is removing the placards and water glasses from the other seats, but Locke isn't distracted. He's jotting notes as Alaska Senator Mark Begich (a 1st term Democrat who defeated veteran Ted Stevens) makes the first set of remarks. Begich said he wants to hear about Locke's ideas for improving fishing industry issues. Alaska and Washington share this priority, as you'd imagine, because of its impact on the economy of the Pacific Northwest.

Republican John Thune, a vocal, high-profile GOP Senator, started his remarks by again invoking the issue of the Census. (Very easy to notice a pattern here today) Thune said he wants assurancese that the census doesn't fall into a political argument. (though, regardless of party, the census historically often is a *guaranteed* political argument)

Blog at 7:50 a.m.:
Johannns just said told the hearing that Locke's background check was clean. That's a big development. No statements had been made in recent weeks about the Committee's review of Locke's personal and professional life. Looks like they found no skeletons.

Interesting moment: Locke was just asked to introduce his wife, by the Committee Chairman. Locke promptly pressed the "on" button of his microphone and told Senators Mona was a former TV reporter who covered Washington, DC for a series of small TV stations in Kansas. He said she then trekked to Green Bay to do TV there -- and cover lots of "Green Bay Packers tailgating parties."

Locke called Mona a "great first lady", a "terrific mom" and a "wonderful partner."

She was beaming in her seat in the first row.

Blog at 7:55 a.m.:
Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, a former GOP presidential hopeful, just told Locke "We need to have a brawl with China." (over trader issues, I assume)

Trade with China would be a *huge* part of Locke's job, if he's confirmed as Commmerce Secretary.

Sean Spicer, former Asst. U.S. Trade Representative, told me yesterday Locke is uniquely positioned to handle China trade. In Spicer's words, "China is Washington state's largest trading partner."

But Brownback, like many Midwest Senantors, is concerned about the outsourcing of U.S. jobs to China. There are concerns the Commerce Department isn't cracking down hard enough on China for illegal trade practices -- which threaten to cripple American manufacturing.

Locke led trade visits to China while serving as governor.

Looking forward to his answers to these questions. They're likely to impact the U.S. economy in a large, immediate way.

Blog at 8:05 a.m.:
They come. They talk. They leave.

Seven Senators have given their opening statements, thanked Locke for appearing, then bolted from the room once they finished speaking.

The rostrum is nearly empty now. Just three more Senators are expected to give remarks. If they leave too, Locke will be facing a nearly empty Committee for his opening statement. I'm wondering who'll be left to answer questions.

Yeah .... that's just another sign that this nomination is locked up. (absolutely no pun intended)

Blog at 8:14 a.m.:
Senator Bill Nelson, a Democrat from Florida, is rolling through Locke's huge portfolio, if he's confirmed.

Census. Fisheries. NOAA (The National Weather Service and hurricane predictionn) The digital transfer of TVs. (yeah, that old chestnut is still hanging around) Broadband access for rural America. Trade. Trade. Trade. Internet issues. Tourism. Travel restrictions. Technology. Technology standards. Tens of thousands of employees.

Locke still appears willing to take the job.

We're minutes away from --- drumroll please --- Locke actually speaking. Tom Udall, a freshman Senator from New Mexico -- is giving the final set of "opening remarks."

This feels like the political equivalent of that 6-overtime Syracuse/UCONN college basketball game.

Blog at 8:22 a.m.:
Locke began his opening remarks saying "We share a common vision for this department - to be an engine of economic renewal."

Locke is now making the obligatory courtesies. He's thanking the Senators for their "expeditious movement" of the confirmation. He gave Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell a shout-out for their "kind introductions."

Locke said his children couldn't be in DC today. But he expressed thanks to them.

Locke also shared the same biographical story President Obama told when announcing Locke's nomination. His ancestors emigrated from China and took up a humble residence one mile away from the current site of the state capitol.

Locke acknowledged the significance of the census and the many departments over which he'd have jurisdiction.

Blog at 8:26 a.m.:
Locke's opening remarks ran long. (longer than the 5 minutes designated for his speech) Senators waived their power to interrupt him, though.

He said, "Washington is the most trade dependent state in the nation. One if every three jobs" in the Puget Sound region depends on trade, he said.

Locke just said, "More than free trade, I believe in fair trade. We must enforce our trade agreeements. As a former prosecutor, I believe in vigorous enforcement of the law." (Locke was the prosecutor for King County, before taking over as County Executive)

He's reading his remarks verbatim from the papers on his desk. Confirmation hearings aren't the venue for "deviating from the message."

Again, playing it safe will likely lock in this job for Locke. No gambles.

Blog at 8:32 a.m.:
The first two questions for Gary Locke (from Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia):

1) What are you going to do about the census?
2) What are you going to do to ensure "no consumers are left behind" in the digital TV transfer?

Locke said the census is an "issue that goes back to the beginning of our country." He made historical references, saying it was the subject of fights between the founding fathers.

Locke said he's been assured by President Obama that the census director will report to the Commerce Department, not The White House (where the GOP says political influence could be exerted)

He said he'd work with "absolute vigor" to ensure a successful census. But he's making no firm promises. Rockefeller appears skeptical that an accurate, on-time count can be guaranteed.

Blog at 8:34 a.m.:
A little breaking news.

Locke just said he won't need more time -- or more money -- to complete the digital TV transfer. In the world of broadcasters, that's *huge* news. June now appears to be a firm, drop-dead date to changeover from analog to digital transmission of broadcast TV stations.
(The date had recently been "pushed back" by the government from Feb. to June)

Locke said "I'm confident we will get the job done."

If a relative has rabbit ears, it's worth mentioning it to them.

Blog at 8:45 a.m.:
His wife is a former newswoman, but Locke is gonna becomde a weatherman.

Locke is being questioned now by Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison about his oversight of the National Weather Service and the hurricane prediction center.

Hutchison wants to crank up research and data collection within the Commerce Department. (hurricanes did untold damage to Hutchison's home state in 2008)

Locke said he "very much supports" new research and data collection into hurricanes. He said he'll support Hutchison's legislation to do so.

Locke will oversee thousands of weather professionals in DC and nationwide. Climate experts. Hurricane scientists. Tornadoes chasers.

Government meteorologists would report to Locke. He'll never be without an umbrella.

Blog at 8:52 a.m.:
Senator Cantwell threw a few questions to Locke about software piracy.

He pledged a thorough review and any necessary crackdown.

The fourth or five Senators at the dais is about to begin her questioning. (more about digital TV changeover)

Lots of empty seats here today. Reporters at the press table are mumbling about whether Locke will win a unanimous vote from the Commerce Committee. If so, his swearing in ceremony could be just days away.

By the way, Locke is talking about tourism. He said it's responsible for millions of jobs. Tourism, he said, is driven by a "fascination with America." Yup... he'd oversee all government tourism agencies too.

Blog at 9:02 a.m.:
The Senate Commerce Committee hearing room, though small, is a regal venue. Three glorious crystal chandeliers dangle above the crowd. Grey, marble pillars connect the floor and ceiling. Mahogany tables line the rostrum and the press area.

It's a strange venue to hear so often about "The terrible state of the American economy." The crippling recession has been invoked by nearly every speaker. All are warning Locke about the huge hurdles he'd face running the Commerce Department in these economic times.

Anyone unaccustomed to the operations of the Senate might point out the irony of the venue and the message.

Blog at 9:20 a.m.:
... and then there was one.

Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller is the only committee member remaining in the room to question Gary Locke.

He's talking up technology issues. Locke would oversee the National Institutes of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, Maryland. (about 20 miles outside DC) Rockefeller is asking about how to better use technology to programs to boost the nation's cybersecurity. (theoretically to prevent the kind of crazy stuff that's happening in this season's episodes of "24" on FOX)

Locke just said he'll do more the encourage smart, young people to serve in government -- to "capitalize on their energy." I suspect he'll steer the conversation back to cybersecurity...... eventually.

.... And he just did. He said he wants to "push innovation" among government employees. (i.e. protect those CPUs!)

Blog at 9:30 a.m.:
The questioning is nearly complete.

We'll expect a vote on Locke's nomination within the next few days. Looks like everything's a "go."

So.... with his future still officially "pending" until that vote .... will Gary Locke answer any of our questions out in the hallway? Will his wife Mona share her thoughts on this historic day for the famous family? Will they tell us their plans for moving from Seattle to DC?

Watch for our reports beginning at noon on KIRO 7 Eyewitness News. And check back here often.

Have a great morning!