WASHINGTON–Chicago business executive Penny Pritzker, the finance chair for President-elect Obama’s presidental campaign–who lined up the big donors early on crucial to making his bid viable–is under consideration for Commerce Secretary. Pritzker, a Chicagoan who is a billionaire member of the family that controls Hyatt Hotels and other assets, would have to extricate herself from her business ties in order to join the administration. She is already part of Obama’s transition team. The post requires Senate confirmation; Pritzker’s Superior Bank collapse could be an issue.
Penny Pritzker working the phone on Election Day at Obama big donor headquarters at the Hyatt on Wacker Drive in Chicago. (photo by Lynn Sweet)
