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:
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
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 Bill Richardson, tapped in December by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as secretary of Commerce, has withdrawn his name for the position, citing a pending investigation into a company that has done business with his state.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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Si se puede!
So much for Obama’s vetting process…
Realist on January 4, 2009 at 1:57 PM
Oops, huh. :)
ThePrez on January 4, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Richardson likely consulted with his lawyers and they said, “Even Johnny Cochran won’t talk your way out of this one.”
Either that or Hillary has something on him…
perroviejo on January 4, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Obama knows a good Governor when he sees one.
the_nile on January 4, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Where is Andrew “The Sarah Palin Vagina Monologues” Sullivan on Obama’s vetting process!
Mr. Joe on January 4, 2009 at 2:00 PM
What, no imaginary baseball career to derail Richardson this time?
Mr. Joe on January 4, 2009 at 2:01 PM
Man, this pending Obama administration is like a high school football team playing in the NFL.
Bob's Kid on January 4, 2009 at 2:01 PM
Ho Hum, the press will ignore this pretty much too, as it’s just another Democrat caught up in a scandal and they can’t do anything to show how corrupt their party of choice actually is.
Webrider on January 4, 2009 at 2:01 PM
The press will ignore this one. Perhaps Obama can appoint Bill Clinton to take this one on.
Mr. Joe on January 4, 2009 at 2:02 PM
So about that cabinet of rivals?
Also, what about the much touted transparency? Isn’t this being done to avoid it?
The pressure on Holder should increase, clearly the cabinet vetting selection isn’t adequate for looking into the roles of fund raising and decision making.
First Edwards, now Richardson, Dodd with his mortgages, they had stellar candidates running in 2008, got to wonder if the big ones will go too.
amazingmets on January 4, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Apparently the investigation was pretty hot and heavy and KNOWN by the transition pros when he was given the nod.
Topsecretk9 on January 4, 2009 at 2:03 PM
and so it begins
Happy New Year
BobH on January 4, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Of course Obama doesn’t understand the vetting process, it’s something that has never happened to him. Can’t wait till he takes office to see what unfolds. At least all the people he has appointed seem to be as qualified as him.
Tommy_G on January 4, 2009 at 2:03 PM
At least they aren’t the Detroit Lions.
So if Richardson did nothing wrong, why would there be a delay? Dems control the Senate.
rbj on January 4, 2009 at 2:04 PM
I cut The One a little bit of slack here…It’s gotta be hella difficult to sift the wheat from the chaff when the silo is loaded with Democrats…getting one that is both a) competent and b) not significantly corrupt…has got to be a nightmare. Glad I don’t have his job.
AUINSC on January 4, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Even the MSM will have to report the grand jury findings on whether to indict, but that won’t really have any effect on Obama when they’re done. He’s probably screwed for any future political office, however.
perroviejo on January 4, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Too bad Richardson couldn’t be out in front showing the way for the most corrupt Dem. administration eveah! Now NM is stuck with him. Will they care enough to get rid of him? Probably not.
BetseyRoss on January 4, 2009 at 2:08 PM
Is he going to grow that cheesy beard back now?
JammieWearingFool on January 4, 2009 at 2:08 PM
It’s sort of poetic justice that St. Patrick Fitzgerald is gunning for Blago at this time for it prevents the leftards from screaming Bush DOJ! as all these other Dems get nabbed.
Topsecretk9 on January 4, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Too bad – if this slob had dropped 50 lbs., shaved the beard, and bought a couple of decent looking suits, he might have been VP material. How sweet would that have been?
PatMac on January 4, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Can’t cut him any slack. Being POTUS is the most important job in the world. If The One isn’t up to it he shouldn’t have run. I’m still trying to figure out why Obama was the one the MSM decided force on the public.
Tommy_G on January 4, 2009 at 2:11 PM
I don’t think they’re vetting at all. Vetting has become just another buzzword. Obama is paying off lackeys, plain and simple.
Rode Werk on January 4, 2009 at 2:11 PM
So is Dep’t of Homeland Security going to revoke Richardson’s security clearances like they did Blago’s?
Well I’m sure the ChiComs are heartbroken at this development.
eaglewingz08 on January 4, 2009 at 2:13 PM
LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!,…Under the bus! I bet Hillary is lovin this!
christene on January 4, 2009 at 2:13 PM
Well, the press did give this story some attention.
On Sunday.
After the holidays.
During the NFL play-offs.
Oh yeah, we’ll be hearing about this
for quite some timethe rest of the weekthe rest of the afternoon.yo on January 4, 2009 at 2:15 PM
You mean Bill Richardson lied while answering those 63 question’s prepared by the Obama “vetting team” ?
You DONT SAY !
nagee76 on January 4, 2009 at 2:15 PM
Are there always this many scandals in presidential transitions?
OneGyT on January 4, 2009 at 2:17 PM
How about some tough questioning of Shrillary during her confirmation hearing. Maybe something will stick this time. One can dream, I guess. . . . .
Mallard T. Drake on January 4, 2009 at 2:18 PM
Ha! Obama already has the most corrupt american administration since Noriega.
carl todd hand on January 4, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Maybe being from Chicago, Obama simply assumes (and ignores) corruption, and “vetting” is simply a political and PR function.
eeyore on January 4, 2009 at 2:19 PM
No. No se puede.
Patrick S on January 4, 2009 at 2:21 PM
How quickly will Obama throw Richardson under that old bus?
I barely knew the man.
katiejane on January 4, 2009 at 2:21 PM
Dang Blame it! When you’re busy making the oceans recede and healing the planet who the hell has got time to vet?
Herb on January 4, 2009 at 2:22 PM
Vetting Process?????
The only Democrat currently holding an office that is any different from Richardson, would likely be Baucus from Montana; and that’s questionable! The Democrat Party is completely loaded (top to bottom) with corruption, and 52% of the American people just handed them the entire package.
Some serious thought needs to go into just how we, the people, are going to take back control of this country from the 52% that are either part of the government hand out program, or just really that stupid that they can’t see bullshit & corruption when it’s staring right back at them; I.E. the Keith Olbermann dumber than dirt folks.
Keemo on January 4, 2009 at 2:22 PM
This is ho-hum to the Libs, just simply pick another. Obama is coming across as very hesitant to step in office. I truly believe he is in wayyyyy over his head and the sad part is Reid and the other clowns are presidents by proxy.
malkinmania on January 4, 2009 at 2:23 PM
It’s time for someone brown. The marxist politics are just a bonus.
Bob's Kid on January 4, 2009 at 2:23 PM
BTW: Which Liberal is dumber, Olbermann or Sullivan?
Keemo on January 4, 2009 at 2:24 PM
The Norman Hsu bomb drops Jan. 12.
Hillary is next.
ericdondero on January 4, 2009 at 2:26 PM
There are usually some scandals during transitions, usually that whole didn’t pay the illegal alien nanny’s social security taxes.
The Blago/Richardson pay to play stuff seems much more serious. Not to mention the Hillary conflicts with donations to her husband’s library.
myrenovations on January 4, 2009 at 2:28 PM
This is the only form of “change & hope” that Obama is bringing to the WH:
Barack Obama said during his campaign that congressional earmarks should be reined in, but his choice for Transportation secretary, retiring Rep. Ray LaHood, is one of the leading purveyors of pork in the House.
In fiscal 2008, the Illinois Republican secured $62.7 million in earmarks for his district, either alone or working with other House members, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense.
That put him in the top 10 percent of House members when it came to pork barrel outlays, the Wall Street Journal reported in an opinion piece headlined “Obama’s Secretary of Earmarks.”
LaHood, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, makes no bones about his efforts to bring home the bacon to his district, which includes Peoria.
He told the Peoria Journal Star: “The reason I went on the Appropriations Committee, the reason other people go on the Appropriations Committee, is they know that it puts them in a position to know where the money is at, to know the people who are doling the money out and to be in the room when the money is being doled out.”
The Journal observed: “Mr. Obama repeatedly said during the presidential campaign that the earmarking system should be overhauled, yet he’s elevated to his cabinet a Machiavelli of this system.”
LaHood, first elected in 1994, is not on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee now, although he has been in the past. As a member of the Appropriations Committee he did not work on transportation funding.
But with Obama “planning what looks to be one of the largest single increases in federal spending in history,” the Journal reports, “Mr. LaHood may be exactly the man for the moment.”
Keemo on January 4, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Cabinet of
rivals, convicts…sven10077 on January 4, 2009 at 2:29 PM
The Democrat governors are asking for a trillion $’s and Richardson and Blagojevich are prime examples of their administrations? Where do I get in line?
Herb on January 4, 2009 at 2:30 PM
He should also resign as governor and let the people choose the right replacement. All of the crooks should get out of politics and become used car salesmen, where they can earn an “honest” living…
DL13 on January 4, 2009 at 2:31 PM
A shame.
All that betrayal to the Clintons and major league ass-kissing to the one, para nada.
Lo siento!
hawkdriver on January 4, 2009 at 2:31 PM
Local radio (Chicago) news stories this morning made sure to mention over and over how “this is not a blow to Obama”.
aquaviva on January 4, 2009 at 2:31 PM
I’m trying to figure out who bho has named isn’t a crook or some sort. One down, how many to go?
L
letget on January 4, 2009 at 2:32 PM
And when I read Michael Goldfarb [on the Israel-Gaza conflict], I become more and more aware of just how disgusting the McCain campaign was; and how lucky we are to have removed these thugs from office. Andrew “The Sarah Palin Vagina Monologues” Sullivan
Mr. Joe on January 4, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Has anyone really followed this bozo’s career? He has been a complete and abject failure at everything he has ever done. The only reason why they keep dragging him up is as a token hispanic! I have a friend that lives in Las Cruces NM, the second largest city in NM. It has about a 90,000 population. I was joking with her that the last time I went through that town, I couldn’t even find a car wash. Then she stunned me when she said, “They don’t have one!” She wasn’t kidding! 90,000 freaking people and they don’t have a car wash? This is what you get when you open your doors to illegals and have 50,000 car washers available. They would have 50,000 lawn mowers too, but they don’t have any grass! Here’s the kind of state we need to have a commerce secretary from! SHEEESH!
Bikerken on January 4, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Oh, I forgot to mention.
Hey media, “CULTURE OF CORRUPTION, CULTURE OF CORRUPTION!”
CNN? MSNBC? CBS? C-SPAN or PBS? Anybody?
hawkdriver on January 4, 2009 at 2:33 PM
One more brick in the wall.
paustin110 on January 4, 2009 at 2:34 PM
FINALLY Minnesota gets off the hot seat for a spell.
You savages elected a governor who is corrupt?
My GOD, whats in the water down there/are you all insane/what a bunch of morons in that state/nuke New Mexico off the map/the entire state is full of dimwits/etc/etc/etc.
Bishop on January 4, 2009 at 2:37 PM
Hopefully the replacement isn’t another sellout to foreign interests.
sethstorm on January 4, 2009 at 2:39 PM
This is not the Bill Richardson I knew….
Crowded under that bus yet, Barack?
It’s all Bush’s Fault…
Karl Rove, you magnificent bastard, you engineered this!
It’s a vast right-wing conspiracy!
Worst. President-Elect. Ever!
Most. Corrupt. President. Ever!
Impeach. Him. Now!
Dale in Atlanta on January 4, 2009 at 2:41 PM
Adios, loser.
AZCoyote on January 4, 2009 at 2:44 PM
This is getting very interesting… Pass the guacamole and chips please.. Gracias.
redrock on January 4, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Come on now, given the fact that Obama has to appoint dems to these various positions you must realize that is statistically improbable that whoever he appoints won’t be under some kind of investigation…
redshirt on January 4, 2009 at 2:45 PM
I understand that Blago will be needing a job soon….
How about Caroline, she’ll work twice as hard as she ever has….
Hog Wild on January 4, 2009 at 2:45 PM
There was no quid pro quo. Just hundreds of thousands of dollars pro quo.
snaggletoothie on January 4, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Are we going to start hearing that J Lo is just as qualified?
snaggletoothie on January 4, 2009 at 2:47 PM
And here I am still wondering what happened to the Frito Bandito…geeze
DanaSmiles on January 4, 2009 at 2:49 PM
They are….WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!
…and we let ‘em off the hook until the 2010 mids, at the earliest.
Kid from Brooklyn on January 4, 2009 at 2:50 PM
I dunno about that, but she is snickering: “Serves you right, Judas!”
jgapinoy on January 4, 2009 at 2:50 PM
The rat(s) leaving the sinking ship before it’s launched!? Where’s my popcorn? This is getting good!
grapeknutz on January 4, 2009 at 2:52 PM
Someone with some musical talent really needs to do Obama singing “Under My Bus” (ala Jagger’s “Under My Thumb”)!
drunyan8315 on January 4, 2009 at 2:52 PM
I guess another update may be required:
One cloudy day in November we held an election, and the circus came to town.
Recent update: A fourth ring had been added to the circus. It appears to be segregated, and Harry Reed is the designated ringmaster.
New update: A fifth ring has now been added to the circus. Featured in this venue are various Democratic Governors dancing to tunes played by the DOJ Marching Band.
So, once again, the popcorn vendor has had to call for more inventory.
Yoop on January 4, 2009 at 2:53 PM
Panic city in the Obamasphere.
petefrt on January 4, 2009 at 2:54 PM
lol, get em!
hawkdriver on January 4, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Translation:
“I am pretty sure that I and all my lackeys covered our tracks real well, but I am not certain so I had best spend my time looking for any uncovered tracks and trying to cover them up and not on the confirmation process.”
MB4 on January 4, 2009 at 2:54 PM
I’d bet Shanklin from Limbaughs program already has.
hawkdriver on January 4, 2009 at 2:55 PM
bambi & his transition team don’t care at all. the media will protect him. his followers will never figure it out. ain’t it wonderful.
kelley in virginia on January 4, 2009 at 2:55 PM
Kid From Brooklyn,
Thanks for the reminder about the Denny Green rant. Now,that was thoroughly entertaining, was’nt it ? and in this situation, it is pretty appropriate too.. the MSM has already crowned the Jackass party’s ass.
nagee76 on January 4, 2009 at 2:56 PM
This is why I sort of don’t mind Comedian Al Franken (D) going to the senate.
If the revival of conservatism presupposes national repulsion at the flamboyant and grotesque freak show of Democrats in power, I think Franken will serve our purposes well.
The clowns are already packing into their tiny cars, the trapeze artists are scaling way, way up that rickety ladder. And now it looks like some of the daredevils are getting cold feet, and are climbing back out of the giant canon where they realize they are nothing but human fodder.
This is good. Good times.
jeff_from_mpls on January 4, 2009 at 3:01 PM
…and the Ringmaster be takin’ a smoke break ’round back of the tent!!
drunyan8315 on January 4, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Rove, you magnificant bastard!
drunyan8315 on January 4, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Gosh this is fun! James Carville must be laughing his ass off.
HawaiiLwyr on January 4, 2009 at 3:08 PM
CDR had the amazing ability to score contracts that cost the taxpayers millions and left cesspools in their wake. All the while giving tons of money to Democrats. Here is a roundup of CDR, the Democrats, and Richardson.
rob verdi on January 4, 2009 at 3:08 PM
This is OUR MOMENT!
This is OUR TIME ,,, to get more popcorn.
wise_man on January 4, 2009 at 3:10 PM
My feeling too, jeff.
petefrt on January 4, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Come on guys O’s not even President yet.
/sarc
Jamson64 on January 4, 2009 at 3:11 PM
After my surprise that politics in Illinois was corrupt, this comes along. While we wait to see if a clown was elected.
What next? a person who never cared enough to vote consistently in the Senate? A guy shoved in there with race as a shield?
IlikedAUH2O on January 4, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Oh, and there’s already some good time talk about Reid and company compromising on the Burris nomination, letting Burris attend sessions, but — unbelievably — not giving him a desk, or a seat, making him observe from the back, and having reduced debate and voting privileges.
Someone at Ace of Spades observed that the Democrat Party is about to make it’s sole black senator 3/5 of a member.
Good times, good times.
jeff_from_mpls on January 4, 2009 at 3:18 PM
……………. I hear La Raza is hiring.
Seven Percent Solution on January 4, 2009 at 3:19 PM
What if they can’t find enough scandal-free Democrats?
Are there any?
drjohn on January 4, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Hey, now, don’t be so harsh!
The beard’s an improvement.
Bob's Kid on January 4, 2009 at 3:20 PM
I know we get tired of stating the obvious, but can you imagine if the Republicans were to treat an inbound black politician in a similar manner?
hawkdriver on January 4, 2009 at 3:23 PM
BO press dept just released the following statement….
“This is not the amnesty loving governor that I used to know. I have asked Twinkle Toes Rahm to fire up the bus. We need to turn this fat burrito into a tortilla by sun down. Lastly, we are going to investgate these allegations and I plan on releasing our report 30 seconds before my inauguration. I am confident this will be the last scandal for the rest of this week.”
David in ATL on January 4, 2009 at 3:23 PM
I know we get tired of stating the obvious, but can you imagine if the Republicans were to treat an inbound black politician in a similar manner?
hawkdriver on January 4, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Riots. Washington D.C. under siege.
Fact.
jeff_from_mpls on January 4, 2009 at 3:24 PM
This is a real cool post. I feel same way. From now on, All politicians are Clowns. Circus Clowns. Hope that doesn’t hurt any Liberal feelings now.
sheebe on January 4, 2009 at 3:26 PM
bambi & his transition team don’t care at all. the media will protect him. his followers will never figure it out. ain’t it wonderful.
kelley in virginia on January 4, 2009 at 2:55 PM
malkinmania on January 4, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Is he guilty? Or just the first rat to leave a sinking ship?
kcewa on January 4, 2009 at 3:35 PM
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