Obama's lists for Interior, Energy are starting to narrow

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President-elect Barack Obama's choice for Interior secretary might come down to two Western House Democrats: a three-term Hispanic lawmaker and a five-term Blue Dog backed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva appears to be the leading contender, but California Rep. Mike Thompson has Pelosi in his corner. While Pelosi might have pushed for her fellow Californian before speculation accelerated about Grijalva, Thompson has also been endorsed by two of Pelosi's closest allies -- Reps. Anna Eshoo and George Miller, both of California. Thompson has the backing of hunting and fishing groups, while Grijalva is favored by environmental groups. Former two-term Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber -- another finalist to head Interior -- told the Associated Press this week he would bet on Grijalva. Several other sources following the Obama transition team's deliberations also cite Grijalva -- who chairs the House Natural Resources National Parks Subcommittee -- as the likely favorite. But the importance that the Interior Department holds for Western governors, as well as his executive experience, makes Kitzhaber a sleeper pick. A fourth finalist -- Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash. -- has also been mentioned in a long list of potential nominees to be Energy secretary. Grijalva was widely praised by environmentalists in October when he issued a 23-page indictment of Bush administration policies on national parks, forests and public lands. This showed "the breadth and depth of his passion about conservation and public lands" and also shows off his experience as head of the subcommittee, according to a Dec. 1 letter to Obama from 56 conservation scientists. Obama's nomination of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to be Commerce secretary has not diluted the call from Hispanic leaders for more representation in the Cabinet....