Gov. Bill Richardson announced Sunday he has withdrawn his name for the position of Secretary of Commerce, citing a pending investigation into a company that has done business with the state.
President-elect Barack Obama said with regret he accepted the governor’s decision and has begun looking for a replacement.
“We must move quickly to fill the void left by Governor Richardson’s decision,” Obama said Sunday.
A federal grand jury is investigating how a California company that contributed to Richardson’s political activities won a lucrative New Mexico state contract.
A person familiar with the proceedings has told The Associated Press that the grand jury is looking into possible “pay-to-play” dealings between CDR Financial Products and someone in a position to push the contract through with the state of New Mexico.
The 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 the investigation may last several weeks, which would slow his confirmation in the US Senate.
“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,” Richardson said.
Richardson said he and his administration acted properly in business dealings and he plans to stay on as governor.
“For now, I will remain in the job I love, Governor of New Mexico, and will continue to work every day, with Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, to make a positive difference in the lives of New Mexicans. I believe she will be a terrific governor in the future,” Richardson said.
KKIM and IRN/USA Radio network will continue to cover this story. We will have much more on this with Frank Haley in the morning and on News and Views at 11am and on New Mexico News and Views at 4:30pm Monday.