January 4, 2009: Commerce Secretary Withdrawal FAIL

Source: NPR

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson says he is withdrawing his name from consideration as commerce secretary with "great sorrow" amid an investigation into a company that did business with his state.

A grand jury is investigating how a company that contributed to Richardson's campaign won a lucrative New Mexico state contract. Richardson says he and his administration acted properly, but that the investigation would force a delay in the confirmation process. He says he could not, in good conscience, ask the president-elect to delay important Commerce Department work in the face of the economic situation the nation is facing.

President-elect Barack Obama says he accepted Richardson's decision with deep regret, and says he will move quickly to fill the void left by Richardson's withdrawal.