Me too but I can see how his diplomatic skills can also be of value with global commerce, especially since the economic struggles are now global in dimension. This could be very tough job over the next four years.

From Wikipedia:

The mission of the department is to "promote job creation and improved living standards for all Americans by creating an infrastructure that promotes economic growth, technological competitiveness, and sustainable development." Among its tasks are gathering economic and demographic data for business and government decision-making, issuing patents and trademarks, and helping to set industrial standards.

Since Obama is talking big on infrastructure, sounds like Richardson will be in a key position. Commerce also includes the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). Maybe we will be hearing a bit more about this agency in the future?

Jade, stop taking the barbituates, they're going to kill you. At least not with Jack Daniels. When you can't see straight, it's a sign something's wrong.

I don't think too many New Mexicans would consider him all that humble. It's known that he can play power politics with the best. But he does have the ol' vision thing going on: alternative energy, single-payer health care, even space development - all things appropriate for a SoC to seriously consider.

I just think that Richardson sees the opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime historical event. He could ride out his last two years of governor, and then what? Term limits prevent him from running again, and there is no higher office to run for in 2010. With Obama's promise, who wouldn't want to be part of the "dream team"? No doubt Richardson sees the chance to really hel[p lead the US forward, and to help repair the damage of the past 8 years, or 28, if you look back to the beginning of the Reagan era of deregulation.