Video: Richardson withdraws from Obama Cabinet; Update: AOL Hot Seat poll added
posted at 1:55 pm on January 4, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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It didn’t take long for Barack Obama to have his first brush with scandal in his administration. In fact, he managed to do that before taking the oath of office. Bill Richardson withdrew his nomination as Commerce Secretary after a federal investigation into pay-for-play in New Mexico went public last month:
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New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, tapped in December by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as secretary of Commerce, has withdrawn his name for the position, citing a pending investigation into a company that has done business with his state.
“Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact,” he said Sunday in a report by NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell. “But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process.”
He said he plans to continue in his role as governor. “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.”
Thus far, the Obama transition looks pretty shaky. Rahm Emanuel may or may not have connections to the unfolding scandal in Illinois, and now Richardson won’t even bother with a confirmation hearing. The federal grand jury wants to know whether Richardson traded state government contracts for campaign contributions, and Richardson apparently doesn’t feel comfortable answering questions on the record about the allegations while the grand jury does its job. That Richardson would accept the nomination and then withdraw under these circumstances says something about how uncomfortable this scandal will get.
Richardson says he will remain Governor despite the investigation. We’ll see how long that statement will remain in effect. For now, however, one has to wonder what kind of vetting the Obama transition team has done with the marquee selections, and how badly they’ll bungle the rest.
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Go to 2:15
Entelechy on January 4, 2009 at 8:16 PM
Always knew Obama was a “Catcher” HAH!
Kevin in Southern Illinois on January 4, 2009 at 8:20 PM
BWAAHAAAHA!!
Full on schadenfreude alert, awesome!! Hey if Richardson were in the position to appoint a Senator like Blago, could the GOP in Congress block it even though he hasnt been indicted or impeached? per Reid’s precedent they are about to set, yes!
BWAAHAAA!
ginaswo on January 4, 2009 at 8:57 PM
Starting to look like Arkansas part 3.5.
Jimmah lead off and his housing projects are failing.
Slik and the witch 8 years of soap opera and great business ventures.Only a few know dead.
Now Majic N. with Hill strapped to his wrist.
The perfect trifecta.
Our only hope is that Uncle Thio will drive the princess home and take the Versanno Narrows Bridge.
Four good years of special investigations. Oh well give em Hell in 2010.
Happy New Year.
Col.John Wm. Reed on January 4, 2009 at 8:57 PM
More Change.
gary fouse on January 4, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Bill & Hill at work?
ROFL….let’s roll.
ex-Democrat on January 4, 2009 at 10:31 PM
+1
ex-Democrat on January 4, 2009 at 10:32 PM
How many times did they mention that Richardson was a Democrat? I haven’t seen that in print yet.
ex-Democrat on January 4, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Tragedy! Team of Rivals Loses its Waterboy!
ktrush on January 5, 2009 at 2:10 AM
Two items:
First, it is an article of faith among liberals that President Bush is a crook. And an insane liar. The specificity evaporates when you ask for examples. The belief is based on everyone knowing it. And if you travel in the right circles and consult the right information providers, President Bush will always be a crook. Therefore, when a Dem is dicovered to be a crook, it is OK since President Bush is a crook and if that fails, go to Sernator Stevens et. al. as a backup. Then never compare details like the Clintons to anyone or Blago and Richardson to the rather lame and tame Republican pecadillos.
And NBC broke the story. Like Jesus and sinners, The One knew about the waterboy’s problems all along. Pesky grand juries!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28493919/
IlikedAUH2O on January 5, 2009 at 7:09 AM
And a cabinet position opens for Blago….
albill on January 5, 2009 at 7:10 AM
The important thing, Bill Richardson helped get O elected
It matters not how you win as long as you win. The rest is gravy
Every time Obama shakes off a crook, it makes him look less crooked. One can never be totally tick free but with the help of the MSM, he will clean house for the sake of the nation.
yada, yada. And kids, remember this important lesson: school transcripts are totally meaningless and should be burnt upon graduation. The only true documentation is a newspaper article. Eat your arugula and do not pick lettuce, not even for $50 dollars an hour and when you grow up you too can be President for as little as $500 million dollars and a few tick bites
entagor on January 5, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Anyone in the mood for a good belly laugh can check out this video of Richardson battling to bridge the gap between his inconsistent views and then fleeing the scene when he can no longer explain himself. If you have the time, check out the rest of this guy’s interviews on his youtube channel. Its a smorgasbord of hilarity as he brings intellectual shame to star dems such as: Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Frank, Tom Daschle, Charlie Rangel, Alan Colmes, George Stephanopoulis, and other liberal favorites as they attempt to defend their twisted illogical views. Once I started watching the videos I couldn’t stop. If you are in a bad mood, it will lift your spirits.
http://www.youtube.com/user/janhelfeld
NeverLiberal on January 5, 2009 at 10:58 PM
This Presidency, if it continues down this road, is doomed.
Democrats must be so proud … :oP
DannoJyd on January 6, 2009 at 11:01 PM
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