Another Politician Hit Hard by Scandal

by RealistGuy

Governor Bill Richardson began 2008 by running for president, ended the year by becoming President-elect Obama's nominee for Secretary of Commerce, and began the new year by losing his new job. When Richardson left the race for the presidency, political strategists began a guessing game: Who would he endorse? Both Clinton and Obama saw Richardson as an ally that would bring the Hispanic vote and add new life to their campaign. Richardson made the bold decision to choose Obama, severing his ties to the Clinton political machine. Once Clinton had been ousted, it seemed Richardson would be a likely candidate as Obama's number two on the ticket. He was not chosen and then became a likely cabinet nominee if Obama were to win. Continued: Click "Read More"

After November 4th, it was clear Richardson had made the correct choice and that he was going to be nominated for a cabinet post. Just weeks after the election, Richardson was rewarded for his endorsement of Obama when he was nominated as Obama's Secretary of Commerce. Given that the economy was crumbling, the nomination became even more important in the public eye. Gov. Richardson was certainly on the fast track to having great political power and respect.

But a grand jury investigation about "pay to play" allegations concerning a New Mexico state contract awarded to a California firm has caused him to withdraw from the nomination. According to two Democratic Party officials, the grand jury is investigating whether Richardson was involved in "pay to play" discussions, as the California firm has contributed to three of his political committees.

It is important that we not rush to judgment about the criminality of Richardson's actions, as we must let the judicial process run its course. However, it is fair to say that Richardson has increased the suspicions of the American people regarding the political process. It is disappointing that Gov. Richardson, who has been very well regarded by Democrats, would be the target of this investigation. I hope the grand jury finds nothing criminal regarding his actions, but another sliver of trust in the political process has been lost.