WASHINGTON -- The news of 11 children dying in the past week from Swine Flu has put the virus back into the lead spot in the national newscasts Friday.

One of the men in charge of informing the American public about swine flu is former Governor Gary Locke.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News Anchor Angela Russell recently went to Locke's new Washington, DC office for a sit-down interview.

They discussed a range of topics including Swine Flu and Locke's new spot as one of the president's go-to guys.

Fifteen years after becoming King County Executive, and then two-term governor, it seems like Gary Locke is everywhere these days.

UNCUT: Locke And Obama: Trash-Talking Golf Buddies?
UNCUT: Locke, On Why NOAA Will Move To Oregon

His face and name are known across the country.

"We really miss Seattle," said Locke.

Russell and Secretary of Commerce Locke, now 3,000 miles away in Washington, DC, sat down together at the Department of Commerce.

What's it like being the front man on so many issues because you're constantly doing interviews. What's that like?" asked Russell.

"You've really got to study. You've got to get briefed on these issues. There's homework at night," said Locke.

One of the reasons he has to study: Locke is now in charge of a surprising number of agencies: Everything from Economics and Statistics to the less obvious.

"We have NOAA, we have hurricane forecasting, we have scientific labs with Nobel laureates," said Locke.

For nearly 50 years, NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has had its base in Lake Union. But because of a new federal decision, NOAA will leave Lake Union and go to Oregon.

"I want to talk to you about NOAA," said Russell. "Should you have intervened?"

"I was surprised and disappointed that we couldn't keep that NOAA facility in the Puget Sound or state of Washington. We have a nonpolitical process where the secretary is not allowed to be a part of that procurement process," said Locke.

Locke even sounded disappointed in the Washington state pitch.

"All I can tell you is what I've been told is that the Oregon people knocked their socks off," said Locke.

Our former governor keeps an eye on the Pacific Northwest. His office has gifts and mementos from his days representing the people of Western Washington.

But he lives and works in the other Washington now. His daughters are there with him, as is his wife, Mona.

His daily grind involves dealing with the issues that affect his family, and everyone else's, such as Swine Flu.

"Our message to companies is to encourage their employees to stay home and have flexible leave policy that doesn't require people to have a doctor's note," said Locke.

Russell: "What can you tell us about Swine Flu that many of us don't know?"

Locke: "(We're) estimating twice as many deaths across the county compared to normal flu season."

Russell: "You do expect twice the number of people to die?"

Locke: "Yes, I do."

The Swine Flu/H1N1 virus is already hitting hard in the Northwest, with some high schools reporting a third of students out sick.

Locke wanted us to know that he and the president are staying on top of it.

"Just last week I was in the Oval Office talking about H1N1 and we had a really intimate discussion with just a few of us," said Locke.

The former Washington governor says five months into the job, the excitement has not worn off.

Russell: "What's it like having the president for a boss?"

Locke: "I sit just two seats from the president and I said, 'Oh my God how does that happen?'"

In fact, Locke has played golf with the president.

Russell: 'Who wins?"

Locke: "I have to tell you, he's a much better golfer than I am."

And Locke revealed something about the president.

"The president is very competitive, he puts you at ease but is into a lot of rivalry and a little trash-talking there," Locke said.

"You're just on the golf course and he gets you just at the right time. You bend over laughing, keel over laughing. Just as you're about to approach the shot, he makes a comment and he gets you laughing or throws you off. It's all good-natured and a lot of fun."

"Have you had the courage to trash-talk back?" asked Russell.

"We tried, but he's still the president," said Locke.