….or…he's guilty, like me !

Richardson's statements are in contradiction with what the Obama team is saying. He was asked to withdraw.

I'm sure it's all just one big mistake. Richardson probably woke up yesterday morning and asked his illegal alien housekeeper, "I can't remember…am I under investigation for something? Hmmmmm…I can't remember…call Blago and see if he remembers…"

This is all too funny and so ironic! The "change" the Obamites were promised is that many of the incoming appointees are very dirty and it is business-as-usual on the left. Maybe a little more due diligence on the appointees is in order? For crying out loud – is integrity now based solely upon a questionnaire? And one that was fraudulently penned? Puleeeeeeez…

Richardson and Obama both are fakes neither is really who they claim remember both men are half white however they claim to fall to the Hispanic and the black side Obame couldn't have any competition from another professed mixed American

Dems! Jeez! Get your hands outta my pockets!

Bill Richardson as is his style acted honourably so that this red herring does not distract or derail the will of the people expressed on November 20th.

When Richardson is cleared, I hope that those who attacked and slandered him are held named in the libel and slander action and that PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARE AWARDED TO MR. RICHARDSON for the unwarranted damage to his reputation.

At least Bill Richardson respects the process and is allowing the law to take its course in this investigation. I hope that he receives adequate compensation in the civil suit which is sure to follow!

Ha another democrook bites the dust. Where are all of the people questioning Obama's lack of judgement in appointing TWO people so far that are under investigation.

Obama has already had more scandals than Bush had in 8 years. Well I guess this is the change we can believe in. I have a feeling there are a lot of people out there that wish they had their votes back.

Richardson is there anymore JUDAS like you ?
Do you remember what you did to Hillary Clinton? What goes around comes around. you must respect the american and the FED cause they will come after you Ahahahahahhh.

Question now, was he under an investigation while running for President. . .another Palin!

Obama can not be held responsible for what people get themselves into, I respect Gov Richardson for what he did. Some people just do not like Obama so they are happy to jump on him with everything that happens. The elections are over so you better get with the times and stop being angry that he is the next president.

Judas deserves it

Consider the fact that W and his friends have gotten away, I will forgive all politicians for the next 8 years.

Richardson is a really good man. The country has lost a great man for commerce secretary. By taking his name out of nomination, Richardson proves again that he always thinks of the American people before himself. He showed this countless times when he traveled to hostile areas to negotiate with foreign leaders. I hope this investigation will end quickly and Richardson can return to national stage, because the country really needs a good man like him.

an innocent man wouldn't withdraw, and Obama shouldn't ask an innocent man to withdraw. Where there is smoke there's fire, and it couldn't happen to a more deserving man. He has no loyalty to anyone, and supported Obama for what he could get.

"MD January 5th, 2009 2:37 pm ET

It's called corruption. In an Obama administration, we need to get used to this."

Are you used to it in the current Bush administration?

i am sure daddy obama informed richardson bow out or i will boot you out….. couldn't face another "DISTRACTION" so early in the campaign…. this is going to be one hell of an administration…. what is next? pelozi and reid knocking boots on the senate floor…..

Richardson is a crook.

Edwards a cheat.

Had we know this all, Hillary Rodham Clinton would be President-elect.

Barack Hussein Obama is making childish mistakes, I am a lifelong democrat and do not like what I see in him.

Bill Richardson's actions regarding his involvement and later remarks about the Wen Ho Lee case was and is a clear portrayal of his questionable ethics and lack of integrity. When after the judicial system had cleared Wen Ho Lee of any wrongdoing, Richardson continued to attack Mr. Lee. An "unknown" source that started the possible miscarriage of justice has been thought to be Richardson himself. His attitude toward our judicial system and the attempt to stain Mr. Lee's reputation is reminiscent of a member of the present administration that has brought so much shame to our country. Mr. Lee spent 1 year in prison due to Richardson's false claims. Good riddance.

another one bites the dust

In case you morons aren't aware (brad for example), being under investigation DOES NOT make you a criminal. Many industries have suitability investigations or investigations to ensure nothing was unethical.

BYE BYE JUDAS. I HOPE THIS WAS A CLINTON PAYBACK.

Sweetie,

Gov. Richardson has performed honorable service to this country for a long time. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for 'Dead-Eye' Dick Cheney, not only does he see his freinds as "marks", he actually shoots them!

Small minds are easily frustrated.

Conservatives pretend to be offended. In reality, they're frustrated. The reason – this deprives them of something to complain about. Also, conservative ideology has difficulty grasping a public-spirited decision to bow out. It conflicts with with conservative dogma that everyone should pursue self interest.

richard and MD
you two are part of the 25% who think bush did a good job…let's see, turned the largest surplus into the largest deficit; attacked a sovereign nation that had nothing to do with 9-11; leaving with the worst economy in 80 years; highest unemployment in 20 years…

gee, why wouyldn't everyone want another 8 years? NOT!!!

Another scumbag has been exposed, thankfully. How many pay-to-play scandals are going to be tied to Obama before this is over?

Democrats must asks that he resign as Governor (PE BO and all Dem Senators). Afterall Richardson's case is further along in the conviction process than Blago's. Blago has not been indicted yet. Either the Democrats are going to change back to innocent until proven guilty and drop all the talk about Blago or they must require the same dealing with GOV Richardson. No double Standards Democrats.

To Richard:

Well that's just wonderful that you had it good when Dubya Dummy was in power, but ask the hundreds of people who are now unemployed…..widows…..fatherless children due to his "trumped up" war…….and homeless due to forclosures how wonderful is Bush! Dumb statement!

Nice job vetting your cabinet picks, Obama. It's gonna be a long 4 years.

richard – leave the country then, cause Obama is in control for the next 8 years. The Bush Administration has brought nearly total destruction upon this country. We are morally and fiscally bankrupt. He will go down in history as one of the worst presidents we have ever had. You've got lousy taste.

BC, not if "all politicians were investigated"…if all Americans were….we judge these politicians and many people on here are abusers of their children, wives, finances, businesses, their money, their bodies our thought processes….their consciousness. We are so judgmental of the people we elect and many of us don't even come close to living by these standards that we hold people to. Now when someone clearly breaks the law, is indicted, tried in court and found guilty by a group of his peers we then have to accept what they have done. But if someone has to deal with an investigation (that is something to find information and/or truth, not a trial), someone knows someone who may be a poor judge of character, or align themselves with one party or another…these are not justifiable reasons for condemnation. Many judge if someone is "qualified" enough but look at Cheney for example, he has a strong "resume" but look at the things the man has done. I don't know any Democrat who rooted for Bush to fail even if they are upset with him now. But the Republicans rooting for Obama or anyone around him to fail without the acknowledgement of the consequences that such failure would have on their lives is quite scary and really self-depreciating. There are people who can't make their mortgage next month and still rooting for Obama to fail. I wonder how going against the grain of self-preservation would align with Maslow's hierarchy of needs? The whole thing is scary. People judge judge judge and know that they themselves don't have what it takes to enter these political positions. Democrats did not start having scandals just now, nor are all Republicans full of scandal either. I think that the only reason that Democratic scandal or perception of scandal is so noteworthy and newsworthy all of a sudden is because of three reasons 1) a way to ignore war and domestic problems with populous 2) a way to excuse the Bush years by trying to equate investigations of Democrats with actual war crimes, financial mismanagement and greed of Republicans and 3) a way to blame and correlate any dishonesty with Obama because of discomfort with who he is.

People need to allow the justice system to work…imagine if some of these people who come on here were immediately fired from their job, family left them and lost their home for a DUI (which personally I despise more than some political person having an accusation of a scandal) that the person never really had because of a breathalyzer malfunction but before the trial, all of this occurred to them?

People need to think before making judgments on half or less than half of available facts.

I like Bill Richardson and feel bad he had to withdraw. I hope the charges aren't true, but nevertheless am pleased he withdrew his name from nomination rather than put the new Obama administration through a protracted approval process that would have turned up something corrupt and made all Obama's enemies oh so happy!! It's amazing how many haters want him to fail.

We need to understand that there can be no totally clean and honest politician (an oxymoron, to be sure). If there was, they wouldn't last long in Washington, D.C. They just don't go hand in hand. Anybody who cannot "wheel and deal", throw elbows, twist arms, and hit below the belt just isn't going to make it there. You need to know how to play the game and play it fiercely.

It is the right thing to do!!!! It would be good if Hclinton were to do the same thing and step aside considering the the Peter Paul suit and the matter of Norman Hsu, the chinese busboys, and now Congel!!! Has she no shame!!!!

bill richardson is a good and honorable american

To Richard – who has had it "good" under Bush: Hey Richard, if you've had it so good under Bush, why don't you volunteer for service in Iraq and REALLY do your country a favor.

Does no one else realize that it's been the last eight years that this country has been falling apart?

Obama hasn't even been sworn in yet. He has a higher approval rating then Reagan, Bush, or Clinton had at this time before their inaugeration.

In your eyes Obama is going to fail no matter what and it is blatantly obvious when you say it before he has even begun.

Why does everyone automatically presume that the Richardson administration did anything wrong? The California company is being investigated, and it held a contract/contracts with the NM State Gov't. The CEO of the company also contributed to Richardson fund raising.

If there was any impropriety, it will be found out in the NM records of the review of contract tenders. It will all come out soon.

Be serious. If every company that owned a government contract at every level of government in the United States whose top manager contributed to a political campaign, were investifgated, it would shut down both Government and commerce.

People give money to political parties all the time. People with more money give more to political parties. Is the suggestion here that anyone who gives a political contribution to a person or party is subsequently forbidden from competing in government contract bids? Ridiculous.

Wait and see for a change. . . .

you must be raking in that AIG executive money at the tax payers expense

I only hope that we (the whole country) and not just Richard fare better in the coming year and years

Maybe a little less thinking about yourself and a little more about the country would serve us all better

Is anyone really surprised? Afterall, he was around the Clinton's for all those years…as are quite a few of Obama's choices. The President elect promised change is coming…yup, it sure is..or is it?

I'm a Republican that says "Give the man a break!" He has done no wrong. Let him serve. I am so tired of trumped-up charges. Let's throw out the gigolos and thieves, those who try to sell senate seats, and those who make offers for them from daddy Jesse's money.

But leave Bill Richardson alone. He's done nothing wrong.

It's called corruption. In an Obama, er Bush, er Nixon, er. . . I just don't know what the heck I'm talking about.
Mom, is recess over yet?

I would rather live the last eight years again under Bush (they been great for me), than watch this country fall apart under Obama.

I always knew Richardson was a snake.

I'm pleased the world is finding out some of the Very Corrupt things he has done.

He is not fit to serve the American People, he sees us as "marks".

It's called the "Bush FBI" for another long 15 days. It will be interesting to see how many more investigations are started on Democrats before the FBI is returned to a non partisan mode.

Hey D Callier -
It looks as though you're gonna have to pay your rent AND put gas in your car after all…. lmao …… "THE ONE" is a BIG JOKE!!!!!

HE'S OUT LETS MOVE ON AND NAME ANOTHER GOOD LATINO FOR THE POST, WHO'S NOT IN THE DANG CLINTON ADIMN. FOR GODS SAKE ENOUGH WITH THE CLINTON PEOPLE .

serves richardson just right he abandoned hillary now whos having the very last laugh all hail karma

I'm sure it's all just one big mistake. Richardson probably woke up yesterday morning and asked his illegal alien housekeeper, "I can't remember…am I under investigation for something? Hmmmmm…I can't remember…call Blago and see if he remembers…"

This is all too funny and so ironic! The "change" the Obamites were promised is that many of the incoming appointees are very dirty and it is business-as-usual on the left. Maybe a little more due diligence on the appointees is in order? For crying out loud – is integrity now based solely upon a questionnaire? And one that was fraudulently penned? Puleeeeeeez…

Bill Richardson is a self serving, Judas and the only reason he declined the Cabinet job is because OBAM told him he didn't want him any longer.

I guess Karma bit him where the southwest sun doesn't shine.

LMAO…… and Judas gets his due.

I smell…..b.s.

Just what a "turncoat" needs. He doesn't get a government job like he wanted. Tooooooo baaadddddddd

Like every other politician, he knows which way the wind blows (not his). I think he did the right thing by bowing out. Geez, what if this guy became president.

What great news! I'm sure Judas was "stunned" when Hillary became Obama's pick for Secretary of State, and now he's "stunned" to find himself having to withdraw from being Secretary of Commerce!

I love B. Richrdson. We will miss him. I hope he finds a position
with the Obama adminstration soon enough.He has the experience to make positive contribution.

Richardson is an unpretentious guy who has been a good governor in New Mexico. He has a future doing whatever he wants.

If this was an ongoing investigation how is it not known?… Did the liberal media chose not to report this Richardson scandal to protect Obama? And how did Obama still pick Richardson for his cabinet, knowing he is been investigated?…Does this reflects Obama's bad judgement for not making this simple decision of picking the right person to represent his cabinet? I have no faith in this guy at all…

Dear Carlo and CA Indie;

I am not defending the corruption of the past 8 years. However, no one really ever looked into Obama's past and when anyone tried they were quickly dispatched. Dems and "indies" were so very anti-Bush (understandably) that they supported a candidate with no qualifications (Ferraro was absolutely correct during the campaign).

If you look at the political training ground of Obama, look at his past with 5% of the critical eye you train on those who you dislike, I think you may wonder why you voted as you did.

"We had plenty of corruption over the last 8 years with Cheney, Bush, and Rove. Good God, you right wingers act like people have amnesia! How can you not give Obama a chance after the hell Bush has put us through?"

It's interesting that liberals always point to the "corruption" of Bush's presidency and the "hell" he put us through, but never give us examples or facts to support either contention.

Is it just that you repeat what you hear on t.v.? Or is there some basis to your claims?

one idiot less to deal with….richardson won't be missed..and when Obama is gone won't be missed as well…………..

Yet more scandals from Obama's camp.

tsk tsk.

Bill did the right thing. He did not want to cause distraction. And he said his name will be cleared. Obviously if he is not accuse of anywrongdoing because he would be indicted And I know you conrats are not talking because Palin was under investigation before she was picked for VP.

If all politicians, both Republican and Democrats were investigated for any kind of deals past, there would be very few left to run the U.S.

Git-r-done regardless.

I think Bill Richardson is a snake and his true colors are being revealed. Those whom jnow him or have came in contact with his is aware that he is always trying to cut corners. Obama should be thankful that this investigation came out.

P.S. And I am a Democrat

He wouldn't have declined Obama's offer if he were clean in this matter. Too bad.

"Karma for Mr. Richardson."

Grow up.

Since nobody is happy about anything that goes on in government, let's just eliminate all political posistions and have a dictatorship. Oh wait…we just had that with Bush.

I Like Gov Richardson he did the right thing by stepping down bravo to you Gov real Integrity!

MD's remarks was as childish as I am sure he is. I wonder where he was for the last 8 years? Do your research MD!
Corruption is everywhere,,,no party is immune to it. This is an individual choice and not a party choice. Richardson has not been proven guilty, but it's just like Americans to be quick to judge!!!!

first he was a judas and now a criminal. what's next Richardson , hopefully a long prison term would do you good . Come and join our Gov. in jail. May-be you will get to bunk next too Obama. you can tell political stories to each other

It's ridiculous for right-wingers to point to this issue as some sort of proof of corruption existing in the Obama sphere that is at the same degree as in the Bush Administration. There is a huge difference here. The difference is that the Obama Administration, rather than covering up, lying and making excuses, is not tolerating any hint of corruption. If the Bush Administration had an ounce of integrity and had followed these same rules, we would have seen lots of people in that administration step down, starting with Dick Cheney and his corrupt ties to Haliburton.

Hey! An investigation is NOT a criminal charge or a criminal arraignment. It just means there is cause to ask questions and get the answers. Not every federal investigation results in criminal charges. Ask Karl Rove and Dick Cheney.

Another typical demacrat taking money on the side.

I do not blame Richardson much. This is how the whole system has been carried out. Thats why we need "CHANGE".

He never should have accepted the nominee knowing he was being investigated. Regardless of how long he thought it would take.
Where there is polotics, there is corruption.
Same old same old… just a different party in the house.

MD,

AND YOU ARE FULL OF IT!!!

Can't help but remember how he trashed Clinton to endear himself to Obama to get this cabinet post.Another poor Obama judgement call,reason #451 why Obama will be worse than Bush.

Sounds like Richard Nixon and his "I am not a crook" speech.

D. Callier January 5th, 2009 2:56 pm ET

All I have to say is "My Governor is a republican (florida)and his administration is doing every thing in their power to keep blacks from benifiting off of any of the presidents policies"
______________________________________________________
You are an idiot.

CA Indie for Obama January 5th, 2009 2:44 pm ET

MD,
the nation is already used to corruption due to the past 8 years.
____________________________________________________
Yes because there was absolutely no corruption and scandal during the Clinton years

One more crooked democrat caught!

How can you not give Obama a chance after the hell Bush has put us through?
______________________________________________________
Maybe since day one the democrats were trashing Bush, its partisian politics if you think the democrats are any more respectful you are a fool. Both parties do the same thing.

Bill Richards:

You are far better off stepping down , or backing away from an appointment by the elected messia…. He is so currupt that everyone in Washington will be that way when the elected jack— has his way…

A CIVIL WAR IS WHAT WILL HAPPEN AND ITS NOT FAR OFF.
we heard talk about a bio chemical war sometime in 2012.. It was started by someone who likes to create headlines { JOHN KING
ROLAND MARTIN OR BILL SCHRIEDER ] one of these people were in on it…. just hearing about this and the way it was reported points to the reporters of CNN The most TRUSTED NAME IN NEWS REPORTING…….. WHICH IS ALL BULL—- LET THE CHEMICAL WAREFARE START WITH THE DROPPING OF IT OVER WASHINGTON D.C. THIS IS ONE WAY TO GET THE COUNTY STRAIGHTENED OUT AND HAVE THE PEOPLE IN CONTROL AGAIN

Kevin in Ohio must be a paid blogger by CNN because his comments always appear in every blog. That's so sad CNN……

I guess it IS true that you are run by Neo-Cons…..

You're posers….that's all you are. Can't wait to see what happens to YOU GUYS in the next four years…..

Gee, a new administration scandal record. Obama and his cabinet haven't even been sworn in yet, and they are already starting to drop.

Loser! He was a loser to turn his back on his old friends the Clintons. He will get what he desesrves.

Judas has to explain where his 30 pieces of silver came from.

Those crooked lying GOP, I hope they get everything coming to them… he's a democrat? Oh never mind… HOPE AND CHANGE!

We know our politicians are crooks. My preference is for smart crooks (Richardson?) over dumb ones like Balgojevich.

Dems response to news about Richardson:

Bush did this or that.
We should be used to it after the last 8 years.
Dems learned by watching repubs

Lets face it dems are gods and can do no wrong.

To "A New Year" – how is Richardson's bowing out showing he has integrity when he has a federal investigation hanging over his head—there is no integrity there.

I think Bill Richardson did the right thing to withdraw from the nomanation for the secretary of commercehe if thought the invgestation would hurt obama! Houston Texas

MD: It's called corruption. In an Obama administration, we need to get used to this.

ME: Obviously not. That's why he's not taking the office.

Also, I live in NM and I am friends with one of his closest members and even I didn't know about this going on. It's not huge news here in New Mexico. Obviously Richardson staying is big news, but … the act in itself, isn't. That's what politicians do. We're not really THAT shocked. Not sure or not if he actually did it. Richardson is a pretty smart guy so I'd be at least a LITTLE shocked if he turned out to be guilty.

To carlo

You talk about the last 8 years of corruption under the Bush administration.

How soon you forget that the Bush Administration was sqeaky clean when compared to the Clinton administration with its revolving door policy of corrupt appointees and politicians.

And also, don't forget how HEAVY HANDED the Clinton administration was with its own US citizens. Remember Ruby Ridge and Waco????

already being convicted. should've never crossed the clintons. they would never allow him in their new administration.

Lets see…how can we blame this on Bush?

Give it up people…Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Peace and Freedom, etc…it just doesn't matter. They are all crooks in one way or another.

My suggestion would be term limits of 4 years for both Senators and Reps…one term and out. Of course, then the crooks would work faster to screw everything up.

8 words you can expect to hear from an Obama cabinet choice " I will be found innocent of all charges "

carlo January 5th, 2009 2:58 pm ET
We had plenty of corruption over the last 8 years with Cheney, Bush, and Rove. Good God, you right wingers act like people have amnesia! How can you not give Obama a chance after the hell Bush has put us through?

CA Indie for Obama January 5th, 2009 2:44 pm ET

MD,
the nation is already used to corruption due to the past 8 years.
______________________________________________________
I agree with you both. That's one (of many) things wrong with the stupid repubs. but bush & company was soooooooo bad we will remember them for years to come. even if that stupid brother (jeb)of his tries to run for president. I remember what he did to Florida.

Everybody here please remember that the current DOJ is stuffed to the rafters with Republican political appointees. And tey are very loyal… Also they are moving underground (trying to loose their political status) so they can provide this kind of service to their party for a looong time…

I'm guessing Richardson was told to "resign" rather than resigning on his own. That's the way things work behind the scenes. Obama isn't going to risk anything sticking to his administration.

Now NM has to put up with his BS for another 2 years. I was looking forward to him leaving NM…..

Translation: I'm guilty as all get out, but if I withdraw, maybe people will stop digging so deep.

Lynette in CA,
He should never have been OFFERED this position. Obama and his crew obviously weren't doing their homework or they thought "what's one more scandal"!!!

Let us hope that Governor Richardson is completely exonerated of any wrongdoing in this investigation so that he can return to the Obama administration in the future. He is a good man who deserves the best. He has helped the country, the world, and so many innocent people.

I still support you, Gov. Richardson!!!!!!!!!

When will Clinton withdraw her nomination since she is also embroiled in some financial scandal regarding contributions to her husband's foundation by one of the business people she helped since she has been in the Senate????

Again, I find myself opposed to the man philosphically, but respect him asvery skilled in so many areas where he could really contribute to the country. Hope he will be cleared and come back to the national stage.

despite the conflict of interest or what ever he is sighting as the reason, he wasn't the best choice I think

I think the Obama team found out he was guilty and gave him the boot. I liked rich but apparently he's another scumbag

Karma for Mr. Richardson.

To MD:

We had plenty of corruption over the last 8 years with Cheney, Bush, and Rove. Good God, you right wingers act like people have amnesia! How can you not give Obama a chance after the hell Bush has put us through?

I think this goes deeper than we know. Seems the dems are every bit as corrupt as they think Republicans are. It will be a very interesting four years watching liberals squirm as they have no one to blame but themselves.

OH MY GOSH!!! this just gets better and better, more corruption surrounding the Obama administration? this nation has to realize the truth, Obama is a corrupt politician! look at his plans now, where's his tax cuts? aahhh, did ur Obamessiah let u down? OH, and on top of that 1.8 trillion more debt in one year! that's what his plans entail, but no big deal, that's only the largest increase in a single year in, i don't know….. EVER!! haha this corruption shouldn't suprise you, he is a democrat, therefore he is a liar.

Hes a good man till proven otherwise.Hillary was liar,period .

All I have to say is "My Governor is a republican (florida)and his administration is doing every thing in their power to keep blacks from benifiting off of any of the presidents policies"

And so the partisan bickering begins… And before anyone even takes office.

The government has become a profit seeking organization.

This has the Clintons fingerprints all over it. This is the payback for turning his back on Hillary. When all the dust settles none of will fall on clinton's, however, we can all be sure that Bill and Hill are smiling today.

Hey, he stepped aside and put the needs of the country before his own needs. That's shows much more integrity than most politicians do. Most politicians have no scruples.

Change you can believe in..

Another one bites the dust!

Richarson knew about the invesitgation (as did NM citizens) for a very long time. I regret that our Lt. Governor will not be our Governor. I further regret that this idiot is staying on as Governor.

What goes around, comes around. He deserves this big time. Richardson manipulated the situation between Hillary and Barack. Like my Granny used to say, "God don't like ugly."

I hope he can still govern with those tire tracks on his face & the limited space left there under the bus.

MD January 5th, 2009 2:37 pm ET

It's called corruption. In an Obama administration, we need to get used to this.

If you are not used to it after the past 8 years, then you will NEVER
be used to it.

Ah – its great to have the democrats in power again!

FYI , changing my ID to MAD vs. MD since I didn't make the negative Obama comment on this blog. I'm looking forward to brighter days under an Obama administration.

Appropriate for him to back out – he should have seen it coming.

cj
Oklahoma
The sad thing is that so many seem to believe he did some thing wrong but do not seem to know what is even going on. It only goes to say what we believe about people who run for office.

People are saying that this doesn't reflect on Obama but I beg to differ. CNN reported that Obama was aware of this investigation. If he was aware of it, why didn't his vetting people find out where the investigation stood before offering Richardson any cabinet position.

It makes Obama's judgement look weak! I'm not saying it is that is just how it looks. I also question the fact that if Blago's problems weren't so public, would we have even known about Richardson???

It just isn't a great start to things in my opinion!

Richardson loves spending other peoples' money. I fail to understand why people in New Mexico like him so much…is it his nice smile?

He doesn't have integrity if his name comes up at ALL in this type of investigation. I will never understand why politicians cannot just accept the salary they're paid along with their outrageous benefits and serve the people. Isn't that why they ran for office? (yeah, right…)

Actually, this may not be a bad thing. Richardson never wanted this post anyway, he wanted to be Secretary of State. Thank goodness he was nominated afterall. I think Richardson will be just fine. Maybe he would be better off serving the people of New Mexico at this time. Things happen for a reason.

MD,
the nation is already used to corruption due to the past 8 years.

…so America may not have a tidy new tomorrow after all, even though those brazen, corrupt, nasty Republicans have exited the stage…

Too bad, he would have been a great commerce Secretary. Putting country first – what a concept. I'm sure he will be back.

I wonder if the company in question also made contributions to Richardson's opponent? At least he has some ethics as opposed to Ted Stevens. Richardson seems to be treating his situation as "gulity until proven innocent".

So glad to see "Judas" fall from grace and lose his shot at the precious cabinet position he coveted so much. I guess Karma finally caught up with him. I bet James Carville and the Clinton's are smiling right now.

surprise surprise

He promised Bill Clinton 5 times he would endorse Hillary .. so I don't think integrity is a driving force in his life.

I am not "stunned". Everybody here in New Mexico knows that Bill Richardson is corrupted. This just the tip of the iceberg.

Integrity….LMAO, mr. a new year, another liberal apologist.

Just like "I did not have sex with that woman, Monica Lewinsky".

When is the last time one of these "people" turned out innocent? The next one will be the first one.

Obama truely picked the people who put America before themselves. To bad the Bush administration never learned that lesson. Obama and his team have soooooo much to clean up! God Bless them and Richardson will be back when this is all cleared up!!!

I should have been paying more attention because I (like a lot of others I'm sure) didn't really know all about the investigation that was going on in NM.

I thought that having Richardson in the cabinet would have been a good thing based on his prior experience.

Like I said, I should have been paying more attention to current situations vs. history.

Bushes cat, Richardson, new school for Obama girls.

These are all way more important than fighting and death in Gaza, and protesters at Obama vacation home, and Obama's errie silence after campaigning in Israel as their lifelong protector.

Nevermind, American Idol is back from commercial break.

Yet another govenor who "acted properly." My question, why would Obama pick him?

It's called corruption. In an Obama administration, we need to get used to this.

This is stupid. We've just lost a qualified candidate for this post due to nothing but "business as usual". All state government officials (Dems, Republicans & Independents) must be sweating about this issue. Every single state in the nation could be audited and similar findings as occurred in New Mexico would be found for both recent actions and things that happened in previous years. I'm sorry for this loss of a good man for the Obama Administration.

Too bad…….Richardson has a lot of skills that would serve the country well at the cabinet level. I hope the investigation goes your way Bill, and you return to the national scene in the second term of the Obama presidency.

I never trusted him from the time I laid eyes on him. He just seemed too pushy. Why would he accept a post when he knew there was an ongoing investigation. Thank goodness he's outta here.

Let's hope that Obama does not offer him another positon after the investigation is over. Richardson is a snake.

I respect the fact that he made that decision not to move forward for his party's sake. Unlike Burris, who decided to accept without thinking and valuing his party.

Governor Richardson -Thanks for the transparency! I'm sure things will work out for you – U are a great and smart Gov.

YAY! Bye-Bye!

thank you mr. richardson, its shows you have intergity.

So it has nothing to do with all of his girlfriends then, hmmmmmmmm.

Just curious….why do so many politicians (on both sides) have so much dirt attached to them? Can't they just live honestly? We are expected and required to….so why aren't the public "servants" we elect to office? They are servants to the citizens of the United States….when did they get put on such a high throne?

For real, right? Who is NOT being investigated?? LOL!! Looks like the GOP are the party of values…you know, to come and think about, not yet, LOL!!

I've always liked Richardson. I hope that he has not foolishly become embroiled in a less-than-legal deal with this state contractor.

good grief people!
he should never have accepted the nom in the first place. it's not like he didn't see this coming. what if he would have become president or been chosen as VP??