Bill Richardson Speaks Out On Withdrawal (VIDEO)

At a press conference in Santa Fe, Bill Richardson addressed his decision to withdraw from nomination as President-elect Barack Obama's Commerce Secretary. He said he did not want to delay the confirmation process. Richardson has become caught up in a grand jury investigation into a state contract awarded to his political donors. The New Mexico governor would not answer questions about the probe, including whether he had hired a lawyer. Watch:

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Richardson also gave a statement on the matter Sunday:

"For nearly three decades, I have been honored to serve my state and our nation in Congress, at the U.N., as secretary of energy and as governor. So when the president-elect asked me to serve as secretary of commerce, I felt a duty to answer the call. I felt that duty particularly because America is facing such extraordinary economic challenges. The Department of Commerce must play an important role in solving them by helping to grow the new jobs and businesses America so badly needs.

"It is also because of that sense of urgency about the work of the Commerce Department that I have asked the president-elect not to move forward with my nomination at this time. I do so with great sorrow. But 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.

"So, for now, I will remain in the job I love, governor of New Mexico, and will continue to work every day, with Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, to make a positive difference in the lives of New Mexicans. I believe she will be a terrific governor in the future. I appreciate the confidence president-elect Obama has shown in me, and value our friendship and working partnership. I told him that I am eager to serve in the future in any way he deems useful. And like all Americans, I pray for his success and the success of our beloved country."

Comments

[SecretSquirrel666]

Hillary in the primary
Richardson in the Transition
Bill in his intern

Why do the Clintons and those they associate with have problems pulling out at the appropriate time?

[Pulitic-Gu2]

Hopefully Richardson will be cleared in the investigation. He has done some very honorable things and showed his good character when he withdrew his name from the nomination.

[Owlygirl]

Oh stick a sock in it, Richardson. Buh-bye to one of the neediest and most eager grandstanding politicians around (Hello Romney). This faux humility act is pretty tiresome anyway. I'm thrilled he's outta here. That nomination was pure perfunctory.

[macintoshsauce]

I live in the Land of Mañana, and believe me, Bill Richardson is the sorriest politician I've ever seen. "If I became President, I'd pay all starting teachers $40,000 per year." - rough quote from Billy himself. Well, Mr. Richardson, you are the Governor. Make it so!

[AZterritory]

First Edwards and now Richardson, I wish these guys would stop shooting themselves in the foot, we need their strengths and not their stupidity.

[1003]

Bob Casey backed Obama in PA, who was the one. He wanted nothing from Obama. Richardson backed Obama and wanted a job. Bottom line!!

[take10]

Well! I suppose you think that Bush/Cheney and Haliburton are just a great team? If this isn't the most visible pay for play, and which claimed the lives of thousands of Americans, then Stevens isn't really guilty and Richards shouldn't be a problem. No bid contracts worth billions of dollars to the firm of the vice President and no one is even talking about it! The media never guide us to the real culprits. They do as they are told by their owners who governments pay to play all the time.

[jamesjm]

Governor Richardson pushed Payday Lending practices in the great state of New Mexico to target the poor, uneducated and disadvantaged - prospering enormously throughout New Mexico with little regulation. To those not familiar, Payday loan companies give loans made against paychecks and insidiously charge unheard of high interest rates (Fastbuck Co. - $25 finance charge PLUS a 650% ANNUAL RATE). These and many other New Mexican store front loan companies are lined up next door to Walmarts, Home Depots, food stores etc. They pray on anyone disadvantaged and strapped families including our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and their struggling families.

One could negotiate a better loan rate with the Mafia than these storefront predatory lending syndicates...

Richardson should be investigated for ethics violations for allowing these loan sharking business' to proliferate and thrive.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7176533

or Google Richardson payday loans, New Mexico

[OkieMon]

so you took a bribe...big deal....not the end of the world.....not!!!!!!!!!

[Petey131]

It's o.k. Richardson. As an American and Latino I wish you the best. Putting country 1st is what's important.

[macintoshsauce]

Yes, he does the Latino proud, doesn't he? :-/

[SantaFeStars]

Bill Richardson is no more corrupt than any other politician!

We're delighted to have him with us in New Mexico!

[chevyval]

He looked very happy to be staying as Governor of New Mexico.

[QuestionEveryone]

Yea..He's happy he still has a job..he didn't give up the spot for the country..he knew if he accepted the position and got through the confirmation process...he wouldn't have a job when he was asked to resign the Secretary position..People really need to think things through, before just believing what is spewed out......people can be sooooo dumb.

[Carolab]

Richardson is involved in a large nationwide Federal probe that started in fall of 2006 regarding municipal bond derivatives fraud. It is unfortunate that one of the three "financial advisers" being investigated is CDR, which contributed to his PAC. But this is certainly far-reaching and extends well beyond Richardson and New Mexico.

[proudloudlib]

Why does Chris Matthews have guests on Hardball? He never lets them talk! (I really am on topic. Haven't heard a word Howard Fineman had to say about Richardson.)

[rhondadavis28]

I hope the investigation comes up empty.

[rhondadavis28]

no bill please stay on

[QuestionEveryone]

oh yes Bill please stay..we're so close to having the Clintin administration all over again..Now Leo Pannana now CIA director..with NO intelligence experience...Obama sucks.

[macintoshsauce]

Oh, yes Bill! Please stay on! num-num-num