Bill Richardson Withdraws From Appointment To Be Commerce Secretary

Hope, Change and Corruption!

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 Bill Richardson, tapped in December by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as secretary of Commerce, has withdrawn his name for the position, citing a pending investigation into a company that has done business with his state.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's staying on as Governor of New Mexico, which is apparently a non-partisan position since the fact that Richardson is a Democrat isn't mentioned in the story.

Richardson is under investigation in a 'pay to play scheme' (sound familiar?) involving a company that received a state contract after making a contribution to Richardson's political action committee.

I never got why Richardson even wanted to be Commerce Secretary. I mean, he's been in charge of a second tier department (Energy) and been UN Ambassador. It seems being Governor in a cool place like New Mexico would be better. He must love the DC social life. Oh well Bill...no cocktail parties for you.

You know, an awful lot of Democrats are involved in some shady deals. Perhaps we could tie these things together and give them a slogan. Maybe something like 'culture of corruption'. Nah, that's just crazy talk.

In related news, popcorn futures have skyrocketed.

posted by DrewM. at 01:22 PM

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