BY DENNIS HOEY

Portland Press Herald

Maine's congressional delegation reacted positively to President-elect Barack Obama's selection of Timothy Geithner as secretary of the treasury.

But Maine's two Republican senators said they would reserve final judgement pending review of New York Federal Reserve Bank President's qualifications and plans for fixing the economy.

As senior member of the Senate's Finance Committee, Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, will be the first Maine legislator to get a closer look at the 47-year-old's background.

Snowe's staff said that the Finance Committee will begin interviewing Geithner, possibly as early as January, before making a recommendation on whether his nomination should be approved by Congress.

Snowe said she plans to review carefully Geithner's plans for addressing the asset relief program, how he plans to stem the tide of home foreclosures, and his plans for job creation before making any decisions.

"This is a critical appointment at a pivotal time for our economy and a crucial moment for the nation," Snowe said, in a prepared statement.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said, "Especially in these challenging economic times, it is critical that the Department of the Treasury have a strong leader who will work in a bipartisan manner to restore America's economy."

Collins said Geithner's "extensive experience" appears to make him well qualified, but added she will withhold judgement pending Senate hearings.

Rep. Mike Michaud, D-2nd District, praised Obama's choice, adding, "By naming the Treasury Secretary so early in the transition process, Sen. Obama is sending the message to the American people that the economy and its recovery is his top priority."

Rep. Tom Allen, D-1st District, said Geithner's selection "has demonstrated President-elect Obama's sound judgement and his determination to provide a swift and effective response to the current economic crisis."