I question the timing. As the Blagojavich kerfuffle festers in Illinois, Obama's choice for Commerce Secretary - who's currently being investigated for influence peddling - suddenly decides to fall on his sword? More likely a tanned, rested, and ready Obama returned from Hawai'i and forced Richardson to walk the plank.
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 Bill Richardson, tapped in December by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as secretary of Commerce, has withdrawn his name for the position, citing a pending investigation into a company that has done business with his state.It's not selling a Senate seat, but is just the sort of quid pro quo backscratching Americans despise but have come to expect from politicians. Why he chose to bail out now is the question. This didn't arise after Richardson's selection for the Commerce post. Either the Obama team was incompetent in their vetting or they decided appointing a Hispanic superseded any pay-to-play concerns. Only a racist would aggressively question a Hispanic not named Alberto Gonzales, so confirmation should be smooth sailing. At least until Blago peed in the punchbowl.A federal grand jury is investigating how a California company that contributed to Richardson's political activities won a lucrative New Mexico state contract.
Richardson, 61, was United Nations ambassador and energy secretary during the Clinton administration, and he is in his second term as New Mexico's governor. He also served seven terms in the House of Representatives.So the National Weather Service and Census Bureau are Commerce's top responsibilities? I must be old fashioned. I assumed the Department of Commerce would be focused on commerce - you know - money willingly changing hands for agreed upon goods and services. Maybe fostering favorable business conditions and luring foreign investors to the US. But weather and collecting data to gerrymander congressional districts?If he had been confirmed by the Senate as secretary of Commerce, he would have taken over a sprawling department that oversees the National Weather Service, the Census Bureau, economic development programs and more.
One of the nation's most prominent Hispanic politicians, Richardson had pledged at the time of his nomination -- in English and Spanish -- to work to renew the economy.Translation - it will take us time to find another Hispanic for the SoC post. Because once a cabinet post is to be filled by a diversity candidate it must remain a "diversity" post throughout the administration. A white female or African-American will not do. This seat must be filled by a Hispanic. Preferably one with a name more obviously Hispanic than Bill Richardson.Obama on Sunday gave no indication whom he might name to replace Richardson as the nominee but said "we must move quickly to fill the void left by Governor Richardson's decision."
Adios Bill. Don't call Obama, he'll call you.
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Comments (8)
1.Obamalala is incompetent.... (Below threshold)1. Posted by MPR | January 4, 2009 3:34 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
1.Obamalala is incompetent.
2.Blago will remain a turd in the punch bowl for a (giggle, giggle) long (chortle, chortle,) time.
3.He should nominate Villaragosa mayor of L.A.
He has all the criteria Obamalala is looking for.
He likes to be on camera. Wants California to go back to Mexico. Tinges of scandal abound. Perfect fit.
1. Posted by MPR | January 4, 2009 3:34 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on January 4, 2009 15:34
2. Posted by Mike | January 4, 2009 4:19 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
It will surprise most that the National Weather Service is the largest single entity in the Commerce Department.
2. Posted by Mike | January 4, 2009 4:19 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on January 4, 2009 16:19
3. Posted by MPR | January 4, 2009 4:52 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Good spot for AlGore. Then he could really control the weather.
3. Posted by MPR | January 4, 2009 4:52 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on January 4, 2009 16:52
4. Posted by Bruce Henry | January 4, 2009 5:40 PM | Score: -8 (8 votes cast)
I assume, Baron, that you will promise us right now, that if Obama chooses someone other than a Hispanic you will post an article entitled, "I was wrong."
That same day.
Right?
4. Posted by Bruce Henry | January 4, 2009 5:40 PM |
Score: -8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on January 4, 2009 17:40
5. Posted by Gmac | January 4, 2009 6:25 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Richardson will be back if he escapes the charges, just like all the other Cintonoids previously tainted in the Obambi Administration now. It's just that he's just hotter than the sun thanks to Obambi's Chicago connections to Rod B's similar scandal so he was tossed under the bus.
5. Posted by Gmac | January 4, 2009 6:25 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on January 4, 2009 18:25
6. Posted by Baron Von Ottomatic | January 4, 2009 10:16 PM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Bruce,
Sure, why not? I can't guarantee it would be the same day, but it will be "I was wrong". I feel comfortable enough Obama will be pressured into re-filling Richardson's spot with another Hispanic to wager an act of contrition. What do I get when I'm right?
6. Posted by Baron Von Ottomatic | January 4, 2009 10:16 PM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on January 4, 2009 22:16
7. Posted by MPR | January 4, 2009 11:05 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
BVO
That's a safe bet. Liberals in La La land are very predictable. I would get something from Bruce though. When you win he may do something liberals do a lot by redefining what he meant, or demand a re-count.
7. Posted by MPR | January 4, 2009 11:05 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on January 4, 2009 23:05
8. Posted by Bruce Henry | January 5, 2009 6:29 AM | Score: -2 (2 votes cast)
You'll get a mea culpa from me if your prediction is accurate.
8. Posted by Bruce Henry | January 5, 2009 6:29 AM |
Score: -2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on January 5, 2009 06:29