Hand, Cookie Jar, Scandal?
Despite the way Bill Richardson is framing this, his decision to withdraw his name from the Secretary of Commerce position in the Obama administration has made a lot of people very suspicious. Let’s put it this way: I suspect that there is a pretty good chance that Richardson knows that the grand jury currently investigating him has found – or will find – something ugly.
The decision is the first serious political hit for one of Obama’s Cabinet nominees and comes just as confirmation hearings begin next week.
Richardson said he would remain governor of New Mexico “for now.”
The probe in New Mexico involves questions about a California firm, CDR Financial Products, and its president, David Rubin. The grand jury in Albuquerque is looking into whether the firm was given a contract with the New Mexico Finance Authority because of pressure from Richardson.
CDR made $1.48 million advising the authority on interest-rate swaps and refinancing of funds related to $1.6 billion in transportation bonds issued by the agency, state officials confirmed.
The firm and Rubin together gave $100,000 to two Richardson organizations shortly before winning those contracts.
The probe into the donations was said to be “highly active” around the middle of last month, according to two sources familiar with the investigation, which is being conducted by the FBI and federal prosecutors.
James Carville wrote something for CNN the other day predicting that there would be more Democratic scandals in 2009.
With two big Democratic elections in a row, Democrats now hold a larger majority — 340 U.S. representatives, senators and governors. Simple math and history point to the fact that the more elected officials a party has in office, the more likely its politicians will get caught up in some sort of scandal.
The current streak, however removed from President-elect Barack Obama, doesn’t bode well for Democrats in 2009.
So far we already have two whiffs of scandal – and Obama is still better than two weeks from inauguration. Both have hit very close to Obama himself. Gee, this is getting interesting.
By Larry Sheldon, January 4, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
“has found…”
Or wants to avoid the possibility that marsupial pontifications of “confirmation” will disclose.
By martian, January 5, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
The Obama Administration isn’tr even in office yet and they’re already generating scandals. Put another bag of popcorn in the microwave!