Governor Bill Richardson bows out
I talked about this a couple of weeks ago. Governor Bill Richardson was just about to get himself into some deep hot water. He is under federal investigation for a quid pro quo. In my opinion, Bill Richardson is a good and thoughtful man who, unfortunately, got caught up in this problem.
From CNN.com:
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is withdrawing his nomination to be commerce secretary, citing the distraction of a federal investigation into ties to a company that has done business with his state.
Gov. Bill Richardson said a probe focused on him would delay work toward bettering the economy.
Two Democratic officials told CNN the investigation involves a California company that won municipal bond business in New Mexico after contributing money to various Richardson causes.
In a statement Sunday, Richardson said he asked Obama “not to move forward” with his nomination now.
“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,” the statement reads. “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. (more… )
