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Amid Probe, Richardson Drops Bid for Commerce

By the Associated Press

Posted Jan 4, 2009 1:06 PM CST
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(AP) – Bill Richardson has withdrawn his nomination to be commerce secretary amid a grand jury investigation into a lucrative state contract awarded to a firm that backed the New Mexico governor's political activities. Barack Obama's transition office said today that Obama has accepted Richardson's withdrawal.

A person familiar with the proceedings has told the AP that the grand jury is looking into possible "pay-to-play" dealings between California-based CDR Financial Products and someone in a position to push the contract through with the state of New Mexico.

In this file photo from Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, President-elect Barack Obama listens as Commerce Secretary designate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, speaks during a news conference in Chicago.
In this file photo from Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, President-elect Barack Obama listens as Commerce Secretary designate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, speaks during a news conference in Chicago.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)
Commerce Secretary designate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, listens as President-elect Barack Obama speaks in Chicago, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.
Commerce Secretary designate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, listens as President-elect Barack Obama speaks in Chicago, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Commerce Secretary-designate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson speaks during a news conference in Chicago, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.
Commerce Secretary-designate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson speaks during a news conference in Chicago, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
In this file photo from Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, President-elect Barack Obama listens as Commerce Secretary designate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, speaks during a news conference in Chicago.
In this file photo from Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, President-elect Barack Obama listens as Commerce Secretary designate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, speaks during a news conference in Chicago.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
muleskinner
Jan 5, 2009 1:59 AM CST
you guys have him burned before the evidence is in. All politicians arent crooked and i dont believe RIchardson is.
Newser001
Jan 4, 2009 11:32 PM CST
Richardson's the one who bowed out... nobody put a gun to his head (or at least that we know of). Doubtful, public opinion had anything to do with it. My bet, the Obama team saw enough assertions to encourage he withdraw, due to, potentially unwinnable, nor a proper appointment, with latent dirt on his shoes - Thus undermining Obama's administration from the get-go.
Fondue
Jan 4, 2009 5:33 AM CST
It admirable that he saw fit to get out of the process and let someone without any drama. I've had "enough" with Blago.

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Bill Richardson • New Mexico • nomination • grand jury • commerce secretary • pay to play • CDR Financial Products

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