Richardson Withdraws Commerce Sec Nom
NM Gov. Bill Richardson has withdrawn his name from nomination as the next Commerce Department secretary. NBC News first reported that Richardson, a 2008 Democratic candidate for president, cited a pending investigation into a business that has won contracts from the state -- and that appears also to have contributed generously to the governor's political committees.
Pres.-elect Barack Obama released a statement via the transition today honoring Richardson's decision:
"It is with deep regret that I accept Governor Bill Richardson's decision to withdraw his name for nomination as the next Secretary of Commerce.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. It is a measure of his willingness to put the nation first that he has removed himself as a candidate for the Cabinet in order to avoid any delay in filling this important economic post at this critical time. Although we must move quickly to fill the void left by Governor Richardson's decision, I look forward to his future service to our country and in my administration."
Richardson issued a statement as well via the transition, insisting that no wrongdoing has taken place but noting that he would not want Obama's efforts to restore the nation's economy to be hampered:
"For nearly three decades, I have been honored to serve my state and our nation in Congress, at the U.N., as Secretary of Energy and as governor. So when the President-elect asked me to serve as Secretary of Commerce, I felt a duty to answer the call.I felt that duty particularly because America is facing such extraordinary economic challenges. The Department of Commerce must play an important role in solving them by helping to grow the new jobs and businesses America so badly needs.
"It is also because of that sense of urgency about the work of the Commerce Department that I have asked the President-elect not to move forward with my nomination at this time.I do so with great sorrow. But a pending investigation of a company that has done business with New Mexico state government promises to extend for several weeks or, perhaps, even months.
"Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process. Given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in good conscience ask the President-elect and his Administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done.
"So, for now, I will remain in the job I love, Governor of New Mexico, and will continue to work every day, with Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, to make a positive difference in the lives of New Mexicans. I believe she will be a terrific governor in the future.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."
And NBC News reports that the pending NM investigation echoes the wrongdoing refrain -- pay-to-play -- that is circulating in the IL governor's scandal:
"A person familiar with the proceedings has told The Associated Press that the grand jury is looking into possible 'pay-to-play' dealings between CDR Financial Products and someone in a position to push the contract through with the state of New Mexico. State documents show CDR was paid a total of $1.48 million in 2004 and 2005 for its work on a transportation program."