WASHINGTON, D.C. -- KIRO 7 Eyewitness News Washington, D.C. correspondent Scott MacFarlane sent these blogs from the White House as he awaited and watched the president's announcement of the nomination of former Gov. Locke as U.S. Commerce Secretary:

Final Blog, at 8:42 a.m.:
If confirmed, Locke could be one of the most powerful Commerce Secretaries in memory. At least, that's the consensus among reporters here in the White House right now.

What other Commerce Secretary has been faced with large-scale economic repairs?

The year 2010 will bring added importance to the position too. The secretary will oversee the Census. And, let me tell you, here in Washington, D.C., the Census is a ***huge*** deal. It determines how many members of Congress - and how much federal cash -- each state gets. Locke's gonna have some real "juice", if confirmed.

He'll also oversee all government high-tech work (including the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Maryland). Plus, he'll oversee fisheries issues (with which he's already familiar from his days in the state capital.)

We're off to get reaction to today's news. I'll see you on-the-air beginning at noon from here at The White House.

Have a great morning!

Blog at 8:38 a.m.:
Gary Locke has never had such an easy press appearance.

The media are being ushered away from him. It appears The White House doesn't want him answering questions publicly before confirmation hearings.

As the President and Locke departed the room, reporters shouted questions (at Mr Obama, not Locke) about last night's speech.

Congressional reaction is already coming in. We're about to catch up with Congressman Jim McDermott, who is likely to applaud the choice.

Blog at 8:23 a.m.:
President Obama said Gary Locke is "trading one Washington for another.". He also made reference to Locke's long biography and Locke's service in one of America's largest counties.

Locke thanked his family (his wife and children by name) and said he was honored to join the White House Economic Team. He paused, looked the President in the eyes, and said "Americans want you to succeed. "

They answered no questions from press before rushing out.

Blog at 8:09 a.m.:
The former Washington Governor just walked in side-by-side with the President. Both are showing no sign of discomfort amid a loud din of camera clicks and bright flashes.

Both are smiling. Locke is showing no signs of nervousness. He'll, of course, speak *after* the President. And he'll stand aside as Mr. Obama addresses the cameras.

8 minutes late.

We've been instructed to turn off our blackberries, phones, and computers. (The White House, regardless of administration, is notorious for setting strict rules for press) So I'll check back after the speech.

Blog at 7:56 a.m.:
You won't see this watching on TV. Biut there are 2 large teleprompter devices on either side of the podium.

Each a 5 foot tall, rail-thin stand, with a prompter screen no larger than a piece of paper.

I suspect Locke, like the President, will read his remarks today, rather than speak off the cuff. The White House likely has "input" into what Locke will say.

Blog at 7:52 a.m.:
We've assembled iin the Indian Treaty Room. A gorgeous, ornate room with a balcony, marble fixtures, and a beautiful mosaic on the floor.

Network TV cameras, major newspapers, and radio have all gathered. There are about 50 of us here now.

Typical for any presidential appearance.

What are the odds Gary Locke is asked a question *before* President Obama? 10,000 to 1?

Blog at 7:47 a.m.:
The White House is becoming a "hang-out" for our local elected officials.

Seattle Mayor visited Friday. The Governor appeared Monday morning. The Washington congressional delegation took part in a financial summit here Monday afternoon.

In a few minutes, it's Gary Locke's turn. The big question: how much "White House access" will he have, if confirmed to the new job.

Commerce Secretaries have a huge portfolio and oversee thousands of federal employees. But they don't have an office in The West Wing.

Blog at 7:22 a.m.:
The press corps will huddle together outside in a few minutes for our official escort to the historic Indian Treaty Room - a room in the neighboring Old Executive Office Building. That's where the annoucement will be made. So, this will not literally be a "White House ceremony."

One reporter nearby just used the phrase "third time could be the charm" to describe this Commerce announcement. President Obama has already tried twice to fill this position. First with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. Then with New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg. Both nominations imploded. Both nominations were embarrassing to the President.

I plan on asking Gary Locke how he feels about being a "third choice."

Blog at 7:11 a.m.:
Lots of talk among press at The White House this morning about how Gary Locke was once chosen to do his party's State of the Union rebuttal speech on national TV. It was 2003, if I'm not mistaken. Coincidental that he'd be nominated hours after a "State of the Union"-style speech.

Locke will likely be a visible member of the Cabinet. You'll see him pop up on TV quite a bit, if confirmed. (You'll recall he wasn't shy about going on camera as Governor, Congressman, or King County Executive.)

Plus, the year 2010 will bring added importance to the position of Commerce Secretary. He'll oversee the Census. And, let me tell you, here in Washington, D.C., the Census is a ***huge*** deal. It determines how many members of Congress - and how much federal cash -- each state gets. Locke's gonna have some real "juice", if confirmed."

Blog at 6:58 a.m.:
The former Governor is about to be nominated as the first ever Chinese-American U.S. Commerce Secretary. Set-up has begun in the Indian Treaty Room at The White House. Questions is: how many people will be watching when the announcement is made at 8am?

Longtime Congressional Ron Bonjean once told me public figures must "punch through the news cycle." In other words, they must find a way to get their messages out through all the noise in Washington. The timing of this morning's announcement is going to make it difficult to "punch" through. Still a thin press corps. Incredibly busy day in the nation's capital. And you can't help but feel like today's activities -- all of them - are anticlimactic to the press here, after the big show last night.