Congressman John McHugh has been nominated for Army Secretary by President Barack Obama.

If McHugh is confirmed, the congressional seat would be vacant and a special election held to find his replacement.

McHugh was elected to his 9th term as congressman in 2008, representing the 23rd District of New York, which includes Fort Drum.

In December of 2008, the congressman from Pierrepont Manor was elected the Republican leader of the House Armed Services Committee and is known for his extensive military knowledge.

He visited troops in Iraq this past February and in May, McHugh joined Obama at the signing of a bill that would cut some kinds of weapons spending.

With this nomination, McHugh would be one of the highest ranking GOP members in Obama's administration, joining Republican Ray LaHood, Illinois, who is the transportation secretary.  McHugh's boss would be Defense Secretary Robert Gates, a holdover from the Republican Bush administration.

McHugh won quick endorsement from Democratic U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, who said "I will work to ensure a swift and smooth confirmation for my good friend."

He drew similar backing from Senator Kirsten Gillebrand, who said in a statement "As we work to chart a new direction in Iraq and Afghanistan, President Obama has selected an outstanding leader for the Army's top civilian post. I congratulate Congressman McHugh and his family, and I look forward to continue working with him to keep America and New York families safe."

Washington Post reporter Chris Cillizza, reporting on his blog The Fix, wrote "McHugh's massive 23rd district includes that far northern regions of Upstate New York including the city of Plattsburgh. With New York slated to lose one (or even two) congressional districts in the next round of redistricting, the 23rd may cease to exist in a few years time."

"Given that political reality, McHugh had been looking for a graceful exit of late. He had been rumored as a potential state Senate candidate in recent years but this offer from Obama is far more attractive politically."

Read the entire blog entry here.

McHugh's nomination drew universal praise from north country politicians and other public officials.

The 10th Mountain Division's commander, Major General Michael Oates, said in a statement that McHugh "is the model of public service and his record of integrity, leadership, and care for the United States Army makes him uniquely suited to serve while the Army remains at war.  We wish him all the best."

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