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 Bill Richardson, tapped in December by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as secretary of Commerce, has withdrawn his name for the position, citing a pending investigation into a company that has done business with his state."Let me say unequivocally that I and my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. "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."
The conservative blogs are going to be in a feeding frenzy over this news.
Damn I really like Bill Richardson too! Oh well it is definitely for the best to withdraw his name now before any hint of impropriety can touch the Obama administration.
I also am worried that there may not be a good outcome for Richardson at the end of this investigation.
I hope it all goes well for Richardson. On the good side, I think his replacement was going to be a very conservative Repub, so the lefties in AZ must be breathing a HUGE sigh of relief.
ReplyDeleteWho knows, maybe Obama & Richardson have an agreement that will allow Richardson to be on the Pres' staff at a later date, post-investigation and when all can be assured that the new Gov will not be a southern Sarah.
SMR
Oops, got my states wrong. It's Napolitano in AZ, she's still leaving, so AZ is still screwed by having a right winger stepping up.
ReplyDeleteGood on Bill Richardson for removing himself and sparing everyone the drama associated with whatever this investigation involves.
As opposed to previous Presidents' appointees who subject everyone to every detail re: their dirty laundry, then when they are found to have committed some offense they stick around anyway!!!!
Oh yeah, that sounds like the Gov of AK too!
smr
Yes, I like Bill Richardson too... I think he will be fine. According to PEBO's statement he will still have a place as soon as they get it all figured out. So hopefully they will get the grand jury over soon and then he can step up.
ReplyDeleteToo bad it is taking so long. In fact I was hoping for him over Hillary in SecState job.
Here in New Mexico many of us have been waiting for this bomb to drop. We knew about Richardson being investigated since this past summer. Unfortunately there will probably be even more trouble for Richardson on the horizon.
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ReplyDeleteI too hope this turns out for Bill...damn I really like him...but you know he will still be part of Obama's team.....I think they like each other....and work well together....
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