Shoulda kept the beard
The only news source carrying the story so far seems to be MSNBC, but it looks legit:
Bill Richardson has withdrawn himself from the position of Commerce Secretary due to the ongoing investigation of his business deals.
So, who's going to take his place?
Bill Richardson has withdrawn himself from the position of Commerce Secretary due to the ongoing investigation of his business deals.
"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. 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."
So, who's going to take his place?
Advertisement
Olympia Snowe and then a Democrat for her Senate seat.
January 4, 2009 1:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
That is brilliant.
January 4, 2009 1:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
I like the way you think! Keep fingers crossed - that would be an excellent way to leverage this disappointment into a solid gain for Congress and the Obama Administration.
January 4, 2009 2:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm surprised I did not hear much about this investigation. Seeing how the press likes to tie Obama to everything.
January 4, 2009 1:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
They're just trying to find the correct corkscrew pattern in which to twist the facts (and their conscious) to fit that meme.
No doubt we'll be hearing about the 'Obama connection' any moment now.
January 4, 2009 1:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's been a two-fer here in the Land of Enchantment today. Aside from Richardson's withdrawal comes news from a study done at New Mexico State University that Richardson's big push to create film industry here has resulted in only 14 cents of tax revenue for every $1 of tax breaks to the Hollywood horde.
New Mexico's state government has a reputation for cronyism and corruption, but Richardson had a pretty thick coating of Teflon. Could be that stuff is starting to stick.
January 4, 2009 6:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Washington Post link on investigation into Richardson - http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/04/AR2009010401607.html
January 4, 2009 11:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow, having been away from TPM for three days or so, this is breaking news to me, unfortunately. I really liked Bill Richardson's beard.
I'm all for Snowe, though!
January 5, 2009 12:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sebelius!
January 5, 2009 10:47 AM | Reply | Permalink