Richardson Withdraws

My Top 3

Looks like Bill Richardson won’t be serving as secretary of commerce for the Obama administration. The governor of New Mexico withdrew his nomination due to a federal investigation into his awarding of a contract to a company that had donated money to several of Richardson’s causes.  Obama will have to make a replacement quickly as his inauguration draws closer.  Early speculation focused on Penny Pritzker, a Chicago business tycoon, as a possible candidate but she removed herself due to worries about confirmation hearings, the same reason that Richardson has withdrawn his name.  Jason Furman, a senior economic advisor to the campaign, was also named early on as a possible contender.