NM Gov. Richardson said to be clear of fed probe

[David Zephyr]

Source: AP

SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and former high-ranking members of his administration won't be criminally charged in a yearlong federal investigation into pay-to-play allegations involving one of the Democratic governor's large political donors, someone familiar with the case said.

The decision not to pursue indictments was made by top Justice Department officials, according to a person familiar with the investigation, who asked not to be identified because federal officials had not disclosed results of the probe.

"It's over. There's nothing. It was killed in Washington," the person told The Associated Press.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090827/ap_on_re_us/us_rich...

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Great news!

[Bette Noir]

1. That's a relief.

I thought he was a good man; I'm glad he's been cleared.

[Union Yes]

2. Although I don't want to rob the good people of NM of their guv..

He was Obama's original Commerce Sec pick until this investigation unfolded and Richardson withdrew to avoid distraction.

Now that he is cleared I hope he gets nominated at some point to a cabinet level position.

Gov. Bill is a strong leader in the Dem party with the progressive track record to match.
He is a foreign policy wizard.

He's one of my favorite Dems.

Bout fuckin time they clear him.

knr

[zbdent]

3. Ah ... but watch the Repugs spin it that he's still corrupt ... but because

the charges were dropped against Sarah Palin, she's been "the target of ridiculous political attacks" ...

[No Elephants]

10. Giving what Pubs might say a second's thought is, IMO, one of the biggest

mistakes any Democrat can make. No matter who Obama appoints for anything, they'll have something wretched to say.

Once people get that, it'll be very freeing.

You just do the right thing and laugh at them and turn it right back on them whenever they say something bad, as they inevitably will.. Much as they just do the wrong thing and laugh at us and turn it right back on us when we say something.

[Igel]

11. And does it work any better here?

The charges were dropped against Richardson, he's been the target of ridiculous political attacks, while Palin's still corrupt?

Repub prosecutes dem, it's unfair political manipulation; dem drops charges against dem, it's justice.

Sorry. I ranted against unbridled cynicism on the part of a DUer last night, mostly because he seemed to be saying that the cynical actions he was discussing were a Higher Good and Ethically Pure. My BS inbox is in desparate need of emptying.

[zbdent]

13. just reminding people of what Repugs should remember when they're

bringing up the Richardson "oh you know he's corrupt!" BS ...

[bklyncowgirl]

4. Glad to hear that. I like the guy. nt

[Warpy]

5. This is a foregone conclusion here in NM

because it looked from the very beginning like just another attempt by right wing lawyers to destroy a Democrat. The time line was all wrong for a pay to play scheme. There was simply no "there" there.

The bastards did manage to derail his appointment to Commerce, probably their intent all along.

We in NM are grateful, though. He's been a very good governor, at least since he's thrown out the DLC rulebook.

[MichellesBFF]

7. ?

Were they doing to him what they did to Don Siegelman?

[Warpy]

9. No, NM isn't nearly as corrupt as Alabama is

This was an attempt to derail a cabinet appointment and they succeeded.

The bastards knew they had nothing.

[Vidar]

6. gOOD.

[high density]

8. Well it succeeded in keeping Richardson out of Obama's cabinet.

Just as the complete bullshit swirling around Dodd will probably succeed in replacing the seat with a Repuke.

[Adam Kirur]

12. Can you say, "2016?"

I know ya can!