Richardson Reliquishes Commerce Appointment
Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) explained his reasons for resigning as Barack Obama's appointee for Secretary of Commerce during a press conference in Sante Fe, New Mexico today. Richardson faces a grand-jury investigation into whether he exchanged state contracts with CDR Financial Products for political contributions.
"As you all know I have asked the President-elect not to move forward with my nomination at this time," Richardson said.
A quick disclaimer followed: "I want to emphasize that I acted promptly and my administration acted properly too. A fair and impartial review of the facts will bear that out."
Watch the press conference here:
Richardson told the media that the timing of the investigation would likely slow his confirmation.
"Unfortunately the ongoing CDR investigation would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process and given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing I could not in good conscience act the president-elect and his administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done," he said.
"As you all know I have asked the President-elect not to move forward with my nomination at this time," Richardson said.
A quick disclaimer followed: "I want to emphasize that I acted promptly and my administration acted properly too. A fair and impartial review of the facts will bear that out."
Watch the press conference here:
Richardson told the media that the timing of the investigation would likely slow his confirmation.
"Unfortunately the ongoing CDR investigation would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process and given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing I could not in good conscience act the president-elect and his administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done," he said.
