The Associated Press is reporting New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has withdrawn his name from consideration as Commerce secretary in the Obama administration amid a grand jury investigation into how some of Richardson’s political donors won a lucrative state contract:
A federal grand jury is investigating how a California company that contributed to Richardson’s political activities won a New Mexico state contract worth more than $1 billion. Richardson said in a statement issued by the Obama transition office that the investigation could take weeks or months but expressed confidence it will show he and his administration acted properly.
In a statement issued by the Obama transition office, Richardson said the investigation could take weeks or months but expressed confidence it will show he and his administration acted properly:
“I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process,” Richardson said. “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.”
Obviously the allegations of a “pay to play” are very serious, and it remains to be seen what involvement – if any – Gov. Richardson had in the alleged “pay to play” scheme. While the optimist in me would like to think he had no involvement in these allegations, I’ve learned never to put anything past anyone who’s been involved in politics as long as Gov. Richardson has.
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