Bye Bye Richardson

[Dr. Shane]

Richardson quits as Obama's Cabinet pick

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson on Sunday withdrew as President-elect Barack Obama's nominee for commerce secretary, becoming the first casualty among Obama's picks for his Cabinet.

One of the country's most prominent Hispanic politicians, Richardson said he was dropping out because of an investigation into a company that has done business with New Mexico's state government.

Obama said in a statement that he had accepted Richardson's withdrawal with "deep regret." Richardson, 61, denied any wrongdoing but feared a lengthy investigation would delay his confirmation by the Senate.

Richardson becomes the first of Obama's cabinet choices to withdraw. The Senate had been expected to easily confirm his appointment...

A federal grand jury in Albuquerque is investigating whether a financial firm improperly won more than $1.4 million in work for the state of New Mexico shortly after making contributions to political action committees of Richardson, the Washington Post reported in December.

[text from link]

[Dr. Shane]

Now Obama needs to appoint a Hispanic with a real Latino last name like Gomez, Rodriguez, Sanchez, Gonzales, Saenz or Lopez.

[Woody]

Now Obama needs to appoint a Hispanic with a real Latino last name like Gomez, Rodriguez, Sanchez, Gonzales, Saenz or Lopez.

Now ... Obama needs ... for the sake of the country ... to appoint the best qualified person to fill the position and not play the race game. Our country just can't afford it.

[phkrause]

pk

[Dr. Shane]

Now ... Obama needs ... for the sake of the country ... to appoint the best qualified person to fill the position and not play the race game. Our country just can't afford it.

There is no one magic person for each position. The President has a host of qualified people to choose from. There are plenty of qualified Hispanics. Whoever the President is, it is important they appoint people from all races to positions of authority in the government. This makes every race feel represented and provides positive role models for people of every race.