Latest update: 05/01/2009 

- Barack Obama - US politics


Richardson withdraws as pick for commerce secretary
No Flash warning
To take advantage of all the features on FRANCE24.COM, please click here to download the latest version of Flash Player.
Barack Obama has accepted the withdrawal of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's candidacy for secretary of commerce. The governor dropped his bid due to an investigation into a company that has done business with his state.
Kate WILLIAMS (video)

Video

Related links

REUTERS - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson
said on Sunday he was withdrawing as President-elect Barack
Obama's nominee for commerce secretary because of an
investigation into a company that had done business with his
state.
 

Obama said in a statement he had accepted Richardson's
decision with "deep regret" and said it showed "his willingness
to put the nation first that he has removed himself as a
candidate for the Cabinet in order to avoid any delay in
filling this important economic post at this critical time."
 

Obama said he would move quickly to fill the position.
Richardson said in a separate statement he had done nothing
wrong but the investigation would have caused a long delay in
the confirmation process.
 

Related Content
Close