Gov. Bill Richardson has officially withdrawn himself from consideration to be commerce secretary in the new Obama administration due to the ongoing investigation into how some of his political donors won a lucrative state contract in New Mexico.
A federal grand jury is investigating how a California company that contributed to Richardson’s political activities won a New Mexico transportation contract worth more than $1 million. Richardson said in a statement issued by the Obama transition office that the investigation could take weeks or months but expressed confidence it will show he and his administration acted properly.
President-Elect Obama said he accepted Richardson’s withdrawal with “deep regret.”
