Richardson Bows out of Commerce Job

Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico has withdrawn his name from consideration for Secretary of Commerce. An investigation into a company that donated money to some of his causes later won some state business. The investigation may go on a while, impeding Mr. Richardson's work at Commerce. So, he has opted to put country first and stay in Santa Fe.

In an official statement, Mr. Richardson said, “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.”

This is an unfortunate turn of events for the country as Mr. Richardson is one of the most capable men of his generation. His depth of experience in Congress, in the Cabinet and as chief executive of New Mexico would have been a boon to Commerce. At the same time, he is right to step aside. Times are too difficult to have a cloud over any member of the cabinet no matter how small.

There is some talk that the withdrawal was pushed by aides to Mr. Obama. In fact CNN is reporting that Mr. Richardson is “stunned” by the developments over the week-end. However, the “no-drama” mantra seems to have been the guiding light here. If there's a problem, it needs to go away quickly.

The good news is that when the investigation ends, and exonerates the governor, he will be available for other tasks. President-Elect Obama issued a statement after the Richardson announcement that noted, “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.” He's one cabinet reshuffle away from the State Department.

© Copyright 2009 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

Kensington Review Home