Bowing Out

On a balmy Sunday afternoon, New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson announced his withdrawal as candidate for the Secretary of Commerce in the upcoming Obama Administration. This is quite surprising. Governor Richardson states that the ongoing FBI investigation surrounding his administration will not end in time for the confirmation process required in order to take on the position of Secretary of Commerce. There is an investigation going on of a California company which have won municipal bond business in New Mexico. Bill Richardson had the background that made a good candidate to fill this position. The Secretary of Commerce is the head of domestic and foreign business industry. Richardson had an extensive background as Governor, energy secretary in the Clinton administration, and served as an U.N. ambassador. This will put a fire under the Obama administration to search for another candidate as well as halting the current New Mexico Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish from planning to take over. Bill Richardson has decided to stay on as Governor of New Mexico.