Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, released the following statement in response to news reports regarding Commerce Secretary-designee Governor Gary Locke’s views on the 2010 Decennial Census.

“I am encouraged by Governor Locke’s desire for a Census Bureau free of political pressure from the White House.  One down and two to go.  Now, we await word from President Obama that he accepts Governor Locke’s wishes and will restore control of the census to the Department of Commerce.  Following that, the next Census Director must also state his opinion on a non-partisan and accurate census.

“Based on news reports, Governor Locke expressed his intention to employ statistical sampling as an “accuracy check.”  I am certain that during the Governor’s confirmation hearing he will clarify what exactly that means.  What it must not mean is that sampling will be used in any way to manipulate census data for partisan gain.”

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