Bill Richardson Withdraws from Commerce Secretary Nomination

Former democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson has withdrawn as President-elect Barack Obama’s choice for commerce secretary, sources in the transition office tell NPR.

The source confirmed reports from MSNBC that New Mexico’s governor is withdrawing from the confirmation process — and says a full statement will be released shortly.

The reason reportedly involves a pending investigation into a company that has done business with the state of New Mexico. In comments posted on NBC’s Web site, Richardson says “My administration has acted properly in all matters and this investigation will bear out that fact.”

He goes on to say that he has concluded that the ongoing investigation would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process.

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Denis G Campbell is author of the book Egypt Unsh@ckled: Using social media to @#:) the System. He is also editor-in-chief of UK Progressive Magazine and contributes politics and business articles for several global newspapers and magazines. He also provides regular commentary for BBC, China Radio International and others.
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