APPOINTMENTS

Monday, January 5, 2009 3:58 PM

Richardson: 'It Was My Idea To Withdraw'

By DAVID HERBERT

In his first public appearance since announcing Sunday that he was withdrawing his nomination to become Commerce secretary, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson insisted that the decision to step aside was his alone and hinted that he'd like to serve in the Obama administration down the line.

"Sometimes your own dreams and plans must take a back seat to what is best for the nation," Richardson said at the mid-day press conference in Santa Fe. "The president-elect said in his statement yesterday that he looks forward to my future service in his administration. I still believe I have a lot to give in public service."

A federal grand jury is investigating whether the New Mexico Finance Authority awarded $1.5 million of work to California-based CDR Financial Products in 2004 as a result of pay-to-play politics. CDR donated more than $100,000 to two of Richardson's political committees, in addition to other contributions.

Richardson maintained that he and his administration acted properly and said he had "underestimated" how long the investigation would take. Richardson declined to answer when a reporter asked the final question of the press conference: "Governor, do you have a lawyer?"

Given Richardson's stated reason for withdrawing was that he did not want to slow the nomination process, President-elect Barack Obama will likely move quickly to fill the post.

But with the sudden Cabinet vacancy, "every special interest group that feels under-represented will see this as an opportunity to redress that wrong," said David Rothkopf, a former deputy undersecretary of Commerce for international trade under President Clinton. Latino leaders are already calling on Obama to nominate another Hispanic.

All things being equal, Rothkopf argued that Obama would be wise to tap a governor with experience growing a large economy. Considering the dire need to reboot the Midwest's economy, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) might not be a bad pick.

"Probably the best choice would be [New York City Mayor] Mike Bloomberg," Rothkopf said, "but I think he's got other plans."