Yesterday we reported on how the nomination of Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) had been returned to President Obama for reconsideration, giving him an opportunity to make a new appointment, reappoint Becker, or tender Becker a recess appointment good until the next election in 2010.

Becker is controversial and opposed by business groups and their allies in the Senate because he favors placing a gag order on employers to prevent them from discussing unionization issues with their employees. Period. Forever. Just shut up or pay the price (fines, sanctions, jail time, whatever).

It appears that Becker and his gag ideal have found fertile ground in what has been dubbed the People’s Republic of Oregon, where SB 519, known as the Employer Gag Law (really, they didn’t get this moniker from me), is set to take effect bright and early this New Year’s Morn.

However, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Associated Oregon Industries have filed a federal lawsuit to block the law from taking effect.

We’ll keep a watch on both developments–the appointment and the new law in Oregon–and keep you informed.