Bill Richardson to Withdraw from Commerce Secretary

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28493919/


New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, tapped in December by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as secretary of Commerce, has withdrawn his name for the position, citing a pending investigation into a company that has done business with his state.

"Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact," he said Sunday in a report by NBC News' Andrea Mitchell. "But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process."

He said he plans to continue in his role as governor. "I appreciate the confidence President-elect Obama has shown in me, and value our friendship and working partnership. I told him that I am eager to serve in the future in any way he deems useful. And like all Americans, I pray for his success and the success of our beloved country."

Obama said Sunday he accepted Richardson's decision to withdraw with 'deep regret.'

"Governor Richardson is an outstanding public servant and would have brought to the job of Commerce Secretary and our economic team great insights accumulated through an extraordinary career in federal and state office," Obama said.

Richardson, 61, was United Nations ambassador and energy secretary during the Clinton administration, and he is in his second term as New Mexico's governor. He also served seven terms in the House of Representatives.

If he had been confirmed by the Senate as secretary of Commerce, he would have taken over a sprawling department that oversees the National Weather Service, the Census Bureau, economic development programs and more.

One of the nation's most prominent Hispanic politicians, Richardson had pledged at the time of his nomination — in English and Spanish — to work to renew the economy.

Obama on Sunday gave no indication whom he might name to replace Richardson as the nominee but said "we must move quickly to fill the void left by Governor Richardson's decision."

 

This helps Obama

 

I'm not surprised. I liked his skills fit as Commerce Sec, but being Gov of NM has added to his already considerable ego. Power corrupts in many ways. I suspect he recognized it, but did little about it. I never got the sense that he was grounded.

 

Some guest on 90.1 a few weeks ago referred to him as a corporate stooge and I was surprised for him to be called that....will be interesting to see what the dirt behind this is...

 

Obama rolling with shady characters....color me not surprised

 

Wait, I've never heard about this theory -- can you elaborate?

 

At least he is not palling around with terrorists anymore. I'd say that's a giant step forward.

 

Yeah...he's "rolling" with politicians. The whole lot of them (Rep, Dem, or otherwise) are morally bereft.

 

Gotta agree with bigtexxx on one thing. Bill Richardson is undoubtedly a shady character. Good riddance.

 

Had McCain won or if Bush was carrying on as president the shady character in question would not have stepped down.

 

That's only if the shady character won a staring contest against Bush.

 

Interestingly Bill Richardson could be brought down by a lesser, albeit more prevalent, crime.

Reminds of me Al Capone, who was not charged with and convicted on more serious crimes such as murder, bribery, and illegal bootlegging during Inhibition, but tax evasion.

Obama and his transition team clearly miscalculated and didn't do a good job vetting the heck of Richardson the douchebag. I don't believe Obama couldn't find a better candidate to court Hispanics. In all seriousness, someone like Trader_Jorge would serve the job just fine.

 

judoka, I wouldn't expect you as a Bill Richardson fanboy to disapprove, among other embellishments including lying, abuse of power, sexual harassment of subordinate, and quid pro quo, his unapologetic role in the worst racial profiling in recent U.S. history?

 

no one knows even what you're talking about

 

Well, that's precisely the problem.

 

Wen Ho Lee?