(RECAP: The Senate voted Wednesday to confirm San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro as secretary of HUD , putting the rising political star in the middle of the thorny debate over housing policy and providing him with a platform to boost his national profile. The cabinet post will give Castro, considered a potential vice presidential pick for the 2016 ticket, a chance to forge a presence in Washington and build relationships with officials across the country, given HUD’s role in helping cities with affordable housing and urban development projects. But Castro will face difficult policy decisions in the new position as well.)