The Obama administration suffered a possibly embarrassing setback Sunday when the president-elect's choice for Commerce Secretary withdrew his name for consideration.
Given the ongoing love affair media have with Barack Obama, it's going to be very interesting to see how this gets covered in the next 72 hours.
Interestingly, it appears the news was broken by Andrea Mitchell on MSNBC (video embedded below the fold).
The following comes from an MSNBC.com report published minutes ago (h/t NBers Blonde and R D Helm):
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 Bill Richardson, tapped in December by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as secretary of Commerce, has withdrawn his name for the position, citing a pending investigation into a company that has done business with his state.
"Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact," he said Sunday in a report by NBC News' Andrea Mitchell. "But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process."
A federal grand jury is investigating how a California company that contributed to Richardson's political activities won a lucrative New Mexico state contract.
A person familiar with the proceedings has told The Associated Press that the grand jury is looking into possible "pay-to-play" dealings between CDR Financial Products and someone in a position to push the contract through with the state of New Mexico.
What's interesting here is how this matter didn't surface during the nomination process when Richardson was running for president or after he announced his support for Obama.
Isn't that convenient?
And how did this get passed the Obama team during the vetting process? Hmmm.
Regardless, it's going to be fascinating to watch how the sycophants report this revelation.
I'm just wondering how they're going to blame it on George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, and Sarah Palin.
Stay tuned.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
A plus
January 4, 2009 - 14:47 ET by GalvanicThe MSM will report it as further evidence of a new sense of transparency in the Obama Administration-to-be.
Transparency...
January 4, 2009 - 14:52 ET by StarAZTransparency--yeah, we see right through them.
Uh, that's not the uh, Bill
January 4, 2009 - 15:36 ET by motherbeltUh, that's not the uh, Bill Richardson I knew.....
The Obvious
January 4, 2009 - 14:54 ET by KC MulvilleEven if Richardson isn't directly guilty, one wonders whether his passionate pursuit of popularity through the media left the governor's office to be run by ... over-enthusiastic ... and unmonitored aides.
I knew that Obama's vetting process had flaws when it depended on the possible nominees to fully reveal their skeletons. (Trust politicians to tattletale on themselves? Not bloody likely.) And the fact the the Clintons sailed through the vetting process made it all the more difficult to trust.
Seems to be a lot of pay-to-play these days, eh? Well, money's tight for everyone, I guess, even for Democrats.
Obama apppointments
January 4, 2009 - 23:53 ET by merlin61Obama's troubles are just starting. The Smoking
Gun had info yesterday about Charlie Hsu's case
coming up shortly and they say his donations to
Clinton also tie to Obama. Could be much more
trouble ahead.
merlin.... Yep, so right
January 5, 2009 - 00:01 ET by bigtimermerlin....
Yep, so right you are...
I posted about it the other day....here is a link for others who may know nothing about this if interested.
This also would have been a HUGE story if political party was reversed.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Bushes FBI is sure a big problem for all them democrats
January 4, 2009 - 14:58 ET by upcountrywater0bamas first big job will be to GUT the FBI.
FREEDOM
(D)
And to.........................
January 4, 2009 - 15:18 ET by BEGRUNTFire all of the U.S. Attorneys from the AG's office.......and appoint party hacks.....
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
"...GUT the FBI." Which
January 4, 2009 - 18:17 ET by celator"...GUT the FBI."
Which he may be tempted to do, following the footsteps of Billy Clinton.
Pay to Play
January 4, 2009 - 15:01 ET by BlondeThe gift that keeps on giving.
It's a hoot that Richardson has had to withdraw his hat from the ring...but I'm really looking forward to the inevitable Pay-to-Play elevation of Obama....where did it happen? Probably early on, at the state level.
But we shall see. In the interim, I'm stocking up on popcorn.
"Let me say unequivocally
January 4, 2009 - 15:18 ET by Blazer"Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted
properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that
fact,"
Yep, one usually withdraws their name from consideration when they are totally innocent. That's what I would do.
At any rate, I'm with Blonde, it may be a good time to start investing in popcorn futures.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
I knew I smelled Hai'Karate
January 4, 2009 - 15:25 ET by choselife3xIn order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Actually, I have on Stetson
January 4, 2009 - 15:28 ET by BlazerActually, I have on Stetson today. : )
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
Good Obama, man!
January 4, 2009 - 15:31 ET by choselife3xHow many colognes do you have?!
But more importantly, did you bring the beer?
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
I try and refrain from
January 4, 2009 - 15:37 ET by BlazerI try and refrain from drinking on Sunday's anymore. Doesn't make for a very good Monday.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
" The Cake is a lie."
Hush now, Blaze
January 4, 2009 - 16:00 ET by choselife3xThe weemon are negosheatin.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Hey there cl3x
January 4, 2009 - 15:38 ET by BlondeBlazer said he was with me.
You've been flirting all over these boards....leave Blaze alone!
:)
hmmmm.....
January 4, 2009 - 15:49 ET by choselife3xOkay, how about this, you can have Blaze if I get unchallenged claim on cocodrie.
I'll trade ya shawn and Jer for Dave and you can keep UNPop.
Deal?
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Nope
January 4, 2009 - 15:53 ET by BlondeToo many deal-breakers there to even begin negotiating.
I'm taking the George Bush approach. Not gonna talk.
That's my final offer.
Pistols at dawn
January 4, 2009 - 15:57 ET by choselife3xDon't make me take my earrings off. :-o
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
→ Girlfight!!
January 4, 2009 - 16:00 ET by Cool ArrowThis has gotta be better than football.
Ah, CA
January 4, 2009 - 16:01 ET by BlondeWe're just baiting you....since it got a little boring around here.
Geez......
January 4, 2009 - 16:06 ET by choselife3xWhat's it take to get these guys away from the TV? Thought we were gonna hafta find a mudpit.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
↑↑↑↑↑ Boinggg
January 4, 2009 - 16:08 ET by Cool ArrowDid you say MUDPIT?
↑ Oh yeah?
January 4, 2009 - 16:07 ET by Cool ArrowYou haven't seen me pole dance.
ROFLMAO!!!!!!
January 4, 2009 - 16:13 ET by choselife3xBlonde, combine CA's last two posts.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Thank heavens!
January 4, 2009 - 16:00 ET by BlondeI expected the next reply to be "don't make sheryl repeat me".
LOL.
Blonde
January 4, 2009 - 16:09 ET by choselife3xROFL!
I'm glad she was complimenting me in that incredible stutter post. Imagine if she'd been telling me off!! I'd never live it down.....
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Too funny!
January 4, 2009 - 16:11 ET by BlondeWell...I suppose you'd have to change your tag or somesuch!
I think we need to egg Cool Arrow on to a pole dance.
Hold on
January 4, 2009 - 16:18 ET by choselife3xLet me trot over to his profile and check out his picture first. He could be overcompensating for sumpin. *shudder*
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Ohhhhh you two.......!!!
January 4, 2009 - 18:47 ET by BEGRUNTGeezzzz...I go out to fix my sprinklers.................AND..............LOL
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
I'll trade ya shawn and Jer for Dave and you can keep UNPop
January 4, 2009 - 18:53 ET by shawn228"I'll trade ya shawn and Jer for Dave and you can keep UNPop."
Its because Dave knows how to cook and I lied about driving a Prius right? ;-)
He had my vote
Dave can cook?!!
January 4, 2009 - 19:02 ET by choselife3xYeah shawn, I'm still not over the shock of realising that a Democrat would be anything less than scrupulously honest. :-o
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
All riiiight!!!!!!
January 4, 2009 - 15:24 ET by Roscoe MendagoEl Diablo is a crooked snake. I don't need to remind anyone that Richardson the idiot is a democrat, but will the MSM let America know. Yeah, if this were a republican scandal, [REPUBLICAN] would be the lead word in the headline. Is there anyone in Obama's cabinet who isn't somehow tainted by some scandal or another. All that fuss with Blago wraps up the entire Illinois contingent, and who comes out looking clean as a whistle, Obama, really now. The entire Chicago democrat crowd should be frog-marched into Lake Michigan with proper weights attached. This whole thing amazes me and Barack hasn't been sworn in yet. I'll bet there's more to come....
This guy is gonna get us all killed!!!!!
typo
January 4, 2009 - 15:25 ET by adonaiAnd how did this get passed the Obama team during the vetting process? Hmmm.
Shouldn't that read 'how did this get past' ?
adonai
January 4, 2009 - 15:45 ET by Noel Sheppardadonai,
We've had this discussion about the proper usage of past and passed before. As passed in this case doesn't refer to time, I believe this is correct. However, honestly, depending on which writing website you go to, you can find different answers. ns
However, honestly,
January 4, 2009 - 16:33 ET by Dan The Man 2However, honestly, depending on which writing website you go to, you can find different answers.
The real quwestion is what does your third grade teacher say it is.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
PAST
January 4, 2009 - 16:37 ET by okiehawk44NS: "As passed in this case doesn't refer to time, I believe this is correct."
It should be PAST -- it's that simple.
Thanks everyone - I agree - PAST
January 4, 2009 - 19:15 ET by Cape ConservativeIt jumped right out at me, Noel. Sorry ;-)
PS I am a 'certified' proofreader extraordinaire - just ask my husband (or former bosses ;-)
A PROUD member of the Oogedy Boogedy branch of the GOP!
"Past" As an Adverb
January 5, 2009 - 00:24 ET by CGatton"Past" is the correct form when used as an adverb meaning 'by,' as it clearly does here. You could say "how did this get by..." with no loss of meaning.
V/R
Clyde
"...the aspirants to tyranny are either the...men of the state, who in democracies are demagogues,... or those who hold great offices, and have a long tenure.." - Aristotle, Politics, c350BC
Another one of obama's
January 4, 2009 - 15:30 ET by pitter43Another one of obama's friends that's a crook. All he has, it seems, are terrorists and felons as friends. Birds of a feather flock together isn't just a saying.
Obama will use the Rev Wright defense
January 4, 2009 - 16:18 ET by ThisnThatThe official, and only MSM comment: Obama and Richardson were never, ever close. In fact, Obama has only met Richardson in passing, and if Richardson ever said anything untoward, Obama wasn't in the room; or if he was in the room, he wasn't listening. Obama's recommendations for Richardson came from his staff, and Obama himself can't be linked to any of these recommendations. His staff is at fault (if there is any fault, which there isn't) for not doing the proper research, and Obama will give the staff a talking to.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
TnT - RIGHT ON THE $$$$ ;-)
January 4, 2009 - 19:42 ET by Cape ConservativeA PROUD member of the Oogedy Boogedy branch of the GOP!
From the looks of this and
January 4, 2009 - 15:35 ET by Captain RepusFrom the looks of this and the speed of withdrawl methinks we might get rid of an Obammy crook and a dem governor in one entertaining sweep.
I believe we are about to witness the beginning of a 1 year administration - 6 months for Obammy and 6 for Plugs. Then we will finally get the governance we deserve with eye-job/boob-job Pelosi the moron.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 4, 2009 - 19:19 ET by Cape ConservativeNot the one who can't even smile without tearing her stitches ;-) Have you ever noticed how, after a facelift, they all talk with their mouths puckered like a fish?
A PROUD member of the Oogedy Boogedy branch of the GOP!
Obama's hypocrisy on display
January 4, 2009 - 15:57 ET by OxyConObama nominated one of his fawning sycophants, Bill Richardson, for a very powerful government position, even though the nominee was emboiled in a "pay-to-play" scandal.
Yet, the same Barack Obama says that Roland Burris should not be seated as Illinois Senator because the person who appointed/nominated him is embroiled in a "pay-to-play" scandal.
You cannot be bigger hypocrite with convenient ethics than Barack Obama.
→ This is rich!!
January 4, 2009 - 15:59 ET by Cool ArrowHad he supported Hillary, she wouldn't have cared about his pay to play scams.
What's interesting here is
January 4, 2009 - 16:17 ET by R D HelmWhat's interesting here is how this matter didn't surface during the
nomination process when Richardson was running for president or after
he announced his support for Obama.
That is interesting, because I just heard a radio report that said this matter has been under investigation since at least August.
Pretty sloppy vetting process for a supposedly "transparent" administration.
Maybe Bill accidently forgot to disclose this matter on that huge application that Obama allegedly requires from everyone who wishes to work in his administration?
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -Because enough is enough.
When you have Caroline
January 4, 2009 - 16:27 ET by eaglewingz08When you have Caroline Kennedy, um, doing, you know, the vetting, um, for like the Vice Presidency, you know, um, and she, er, gets, Obama, to pick, you know, Joe Biden, then, maybe, er, the vetting process, you know, isn't what it's, er, cracked up to be, you know. (And no that is not a veiled reference to crack or any other illegal drug that we know Obama DID NOT use at any time in his life).
I wonder how IMUS is going to react to this news? He's been a big Richardson supporter on his program (except for the State DOT Traffic signage), so Imus will not be a happy camper.
Meanwhile, I think Hillary and Bill will be popping corks and champagne will be flowing because Richardson put the last dagger into the Clinton for President campaign. And if by chance this disables a potential Richardson for Presidency down the road, it's another reason for Billary to celebrate.
Anyway, he's not been convicted or indicted or anything so I am not making any claims that Richardson's guilty of anything (unlike most democrats who automatically presume anyone with an R party affiliation is guilty even if after found innocent).
Democratic presidential candidates '08
January 4, 2009 - 16:49 ET by okiehawk44Let's check the record:
Hillary Clinton: Too many "-gates" to list.
John Edwards: Cheated on a cancer-ridden wife but lectures us. (Good to see she's all better though)
Joe Biden: Plagiarist! (College and speeches and ??)
Chris Dodd: Countrywide! (Enough said)
Bill Richardson: Crook! (Just wait, the fat lady is warming up)
Barack Obama: The only Chicago pol who is "clean as the driven snow." Yeah, right!
I'm still wondering if Rezko or Blago will 'sing'
January 4, 2009 - 19:34 ET by Cape ConservativeA PROUD member of the Oogedy Boogedy branch of the GOP!
I think you have Caroline Schlossberg and
January 4, 2009 - 19:37 ET by Cape Conservativeyou know, Caroline Kennedy mixed up - you know, I was, you know, pretty sure Caroline's ummmm last name was, errrrr Schlossberg!
And she's gonna be the next senator from New York, you betcha!
A PROUD member of the Oogedy Boogedy branch of the GOP!
Wait til they get to Hillary's support for the
January 4, 2009 - 19:32 ET by Cape Conservativeupstate New York mall guy - and his resulting $100k donation to the Clinton Library a few weeks after the law was passed (correct usage here ;-) - a law, by the way, that was so designed as to apply to just four developments, and I guess this guy's is the only one off the ground so far.
Popcorn, anyone????????????? I think Blonde has the right idea...all we have to do is sit around and let the chips fall where they may.
It does amaze me, however, that the media continue to allow the teflon man to escape ANY connections. I wonder when they are going to be aware that the American public's coloring book is full of dots that have been connected!
A PROUD member of the Oogedy Boogedy branch of the GOP!
CC,
January 4, 2009 - 20:29 ET by R D HelmI just posted a link to that story over on the OT. It actually made the local radio news here in Atlanta.
I doubt much will come of it, as I am sure McCain will help straighten this out for his "good friend" Hillary Clinton.
I doubt we'll here much from the republicans on this, anyway, as I am also pretty sure that Bill and Hillary still have copies of all those FBI files sitting around somewhere.
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -Because enough is enough.
→ Shades of Deana Carter
January 4, 2009 - 17:31 ET by Cool ArrowRichardson: "Did I shave my chin for this?"
CA - Will he jump up into BHO's arms if he wins the award?
January 4, 2009 - 19:27 ET by Cape ConservativeI seem to recall Deana jumping up into, was it Vince Gill's, arms when she won an award for that silly song ;-)
A PROUD member of the Oogedy Boogedy branch of the GOP!
Yet another democrat pay-to-play scandle.
January 4, 2009 - 18:44 ET by c5thenI'm shocked!
This of course will be reported in the best light possible by the MSM. Richardson will be lauded for thinking of the possible negative impacts on the Obama administration and doing the 'honorable' and 'heroic' thing.
Hey, I got the wrong "CHANGE"!
Alan Keyes / Sarah Palin - 2012
Richardson disgusts me.
January 4, 2009 - 19:20 ET by mostlymoderateRichardson disgusts me. Even if the Clinton's are lowlife-scum, Richardson stabbed the hand that fed him and that puts him at the lowest bowels of hell in my book. If it wasn't for the Clinton's, this nobody would not be where he is today. Then he chose to support Obama? A man that nobody had ever heard of 2 years ago, a man that has no foreign-policy experience, a man that has NO domestic-policy experience (besides community organizing) and a man that ran on nothing but "celebrity appeal"?
Whenever I hear Richardson's name, all I am
January 4, 2009 - 19:31 ET by Cape Conservativereminded of is how he was the 'connection' and met with 'the most famous intern of all' in regard to a job for which she was totally unqualified during the Clinton years.
A PROUD member of the Oogedy Boogedy branch of the GOP!
Yeah, and he LIED about that
January 4, 2009 - 19:34 ET by mostlymoderateYeah, and he LIED about that too! American Spectator already proved with evidence that Richardson knew more than he told the grand jury. He is a big-fat-lying-back-stabber. Did I mention he is a scum-bag? Ok.
AGREED! on all points!!!!!
January 4, 2009 - 19:44 ET by Cape ConservativeA PROUD member of the Oogedy Boogedy branch of the GOP!
Wow! Barry is faster than
January 4, 2009 - 19:52 ET by ZippyWow!
Barry is faster than Bill/Hill.
3, maybe 4 controversies.
At least, they waited to insult the People on Jan. 20.
I wonder how many visitor passes, the Secret Service, passes out this time?
With Bill/Hill it was 540 visitor passes for White House Employees.
I agree. Richardson was
January 4, 2009 - 20:08 ET by motherbeltI agree. Richardson was running for VP from the beginning. When it looked like it would be Obama's train pulling out of the station, Richardson jumped platforms like a frog jumps lily pads.
Of course, I felt no sympathy for the Clintons, who bailed on any number of friends too. Karma's a bi*ch. LOL
As for the result, I expect it to be like the Clintons. Many people got convicted of making illegal campaign contributions, but no one was ever charged with receiving them. In the same way, the contractor will be guilty of offering "pay to play" but Richardson won't be guilty of going along. It will just be "coincidence" that they got the contracts.
And in their usual no-holds barred digging, the "investigative journalists" will ask Richardson if there was any "understanding" between them, he will say no, and they will say "Oh, OK then."
Has McCain chastised
January 4, 2009 - 19:49 ET by Jack BauerHas McCain chastised conservatives and Republicans yet?
Warning them not to make any political capital out of Richardsons' "problems" and the inept Obama vetting process? That's not the right thing to do, my friends
And I hate to bring this up... but didn't Obama DEMAND that all applicants for his administration complete a 65 QUESTION form that was supposed to uncover any skeletons.
Like uh -- AN INVESTIGATION of possible GRAFT?
That's worked out well, it seems.
Bad Jack!
January 4, 2009 - 19:51 ET by BlondeOf course McC hasn't chastised anyone yet....he's still trying to figure out where his pals Hill & O are on this issue.
No worries, though.....there are going to be no FAT people in the Obama administration....and Ahnold & Cali are going to prohibit the sales of plasmas.
Cause, you know....we must be FAIR!!!!
blonde -- plenty of fat CATS
January 4, 2009 - 19:54 ET by Jack Bauerblonde -- plenty of fat CATS though. Starting with Tiny Tommy Daschle's missus!
Wow, even more trouble in
January 4, 2009 - 20:54 ET by RR GOPWow, even more trouble in Obamalot?
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha...HA!
Actually, this won't hurt Obama much...most Americans don't even know that there is a secretary of commerce in the first place.
Besides, Obamamessiah can simply turn to Ayers' recommondations on Huffy Poo.
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
PEBO's People: Its All Richardson's Fault.
January 4, 2009 - 22:42 ET by R D HelmSeems the Obama camp is putting the word out that Bill Richardson was not exactly up-front with them about the investigation.
The Richardson people are crying foul.
Ed Morrissey over at HotAir has it all here.
-Dave
“Them that’s going get on the wagon. Them that ain’t get out of the way.” -Because enough is enough.
Dave
January 4, 2009 - 22:52 ET by choselife3xSuddenly I have that "And another one bites the dust" refrain stuck on replay in my head.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
I'm Thinkin
January 5, 2009 - 04:31 ET by mountainman08I'm thinkin more like "Hit The Road Jack" :^)