Bill Richardson Gives Sigh of Relief as He Drops Out of Commerce Role, Into Career-Ending Scandal

Jeeze. I can't say that the prospect of taking over the role as Secretary of Commerce in the current economic environment would be on the top of my to-do list.

But getting yourself implicated in a pay-to-play scandal just to create an excuse to drop-out gracelessly seems a bit harsh…

The Cabinet that President-elect Barack Obama picked on a fast track has an unexpected opening, with New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Obama's choice for commerce secretary, withdrawing under pressure of a federal investigation into how his political donors landed a lucrative transportation contract…

"I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process," Richardson said in a statement. "Given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in good conscience ask the president-elect and his administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done."…

Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said he expected a new commerce secretary would be chosen soon but didn't have a timetable.

I imagine it's gonna take some time to find somebody with Richardson's unique qualifications willing to take that thankless job.

And, by that, I mean somebody willing to take that thankless job.

Tags: Bill Richardson, Corruption, New Mexico, Obama Administration