WASHINGTON – Congressman John McHugh, who represents New York’s North Country in the House, will be nominated by President Obama as the new Secretary of the Army, replacing Pete Geren.

McHugh is no stranger to the Hudson Valley as he is a member of the West Point Board of Visitors.

The Board also includes Reps. Maurice Hinchey or Hurley and John Hall of Dover Plains.

The purpose of the Board of Visitors is to inquire into the morale and discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other matters relating to the academy that the board decides to consider.

Assuming McHugh is confirmed, that would open up a second House seat from New York. Earlier this year, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand gave up her seat when Governor Paterson named her to the Senate. Scott Murphy was chosen in a special election to fill that House seat. That district extends from Dutchess County to Essex County.