Sen. Max Baucus, the veteran Montana Democrat who has served in the Senate since 1978, is expected to be nominated by the White House to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to China, according to several sources familiar with the matter.
Baucus planned to begin informing his colleagues and his staff about his upcoming nomination on Wednesday evening.
It remains unclear when the appointment would take effect, but Baucus would have to win confirmation from his Senate colleagues. If he leaves before his term ends, Baucus would relinquish his gavel on the powerful Senate Finance Committee at a time when he is still aggressively pushing for a dramatic rewrite of the Tax Code.
The Montana Democrat, who has been a central figure in battles over trade, taxes and health care for a generation, has already announced he will not run for reelection in 2014. And, depending on how long the confirmation process takes, he will be opening up a Senate seat in a tough state for Democrats, but one where the Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock appoints the senator in the case of a vacancy.
(PHOTOS: Senators up for election in 2014)
Baucus’s expected nomination had been rumored in congressional circles for the last month. It only became clear in recent days that the White House would make the appointment, according to sources.
A White House spokesman didn’t respond to an e-mail requesting comment, and a Baucus spokesman declined to comment.
W.H. to pick Baucus as ambassador to China
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