STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA
It is with deep regret that I accept Governor Bill Richardson's
decision to withdraw his name for nomination as the next Secretary of
Commerce.Governor Richardson is an outstanding public servant and would
have brought to the job of Commerce Secretary and our economic team
great insights accumulated through an extraordinary career in federal
and state office. It is a measure of 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. Although we must move quickly to fill the void left
by Governor Richardson's decision, I look forward to his future service
to our country and in my administration.
STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR BILL RICHARDSON
For nearly three decades, I have been honored to serve my state and
our nation in Congress, at the U.N., as Secretary of Energy and as
governor. So when the President-elect asked me to serve as
Secretary of Commerce, I felt a duty to answer the call.I felt that
duty particularly because America is facing such extraordinary economic
challenges. The Department of Commerce must play an important
role in solving them by helping to grow the new jobs and businesses
America so badly needs.
It is also because of that sense of urgency about the work of the
Commerce Department that I have asked the President-elect not to move
forward with my nomination at this time.I do so with great
sorrow. But a pending investigation of a company that has done
business with New Mexico state government promises to extend for
several weeks or, perhaps, even months.
Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted
properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that
fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would
have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process.Given the
gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in
good conscience ask the President-elect and his Administration to delay
for one day the important work that needs to be done.
So, for now, I will remain in the job I love, Governor of New Mexico,
and will continue to work every day, with Lieutenant Governor Diane
Denish, to make a positive difference in the lives of New
Mexicans. I believe she will be a terrific governor in the
future.I appreciate the confidence President-elect Obama has shown in
me, and value our friendship and working partnership. I told him
that I am eager to serve in the future in any way he deems
useful. And like all Americans, I pray for his success and the
success of our beloved country.
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