Daily Lobo

Obama chooses Richardson for Cabinet
Staff Report

President-elect Barack Obama has tapped Gov. Bill Richardson for secretary of commerce.

Richardson, who has been New Mexico's governor for six years, ran in the Democratic Party's presidential primary last year.

If approved for the secretary position, he will lead the Department of Commerce, whose mission is to "foster, promote and develop the foreign and domestic commerce," according to the department's Web site.

Richardson's experience makes him an ideal leading economic diplomat for the U.S., Obama said at the Chicago news conference announcing the appointment.

"In the end, Bill Richardson is a leader who shares my values.… I know that (he) will be an unyielding advocate for American business and American jobs, at home and around the world," Obama said.

Richardson said he was honored by the nomination and would be pleased to serve in Obama's Cabinet.

"New Mexico, I will never forget you, and I will forever be grateful," Richardson said at the news conference.

Senator-elect Tom Udall said Richardson's experience shows through his work in New Mexico and the progress the state has made under his direction.

"Gov. Richardson has made sure that New Mexico remains economically competitive, even during these difficult times, by growing businesses big and small, promoting job growth and cutting taxes," Udall said. "He is the ideal pro-growth Democrat for the post, and I am confident he will serve our nation with the same foresight as he has served our state."

Congressman-elect Ben Ray Lujan said in a statement that Richardson was an excellent choice for the position because of his dedication to creating jobs.

"I look forward to working with Gov. Richardson in his new role as commerce secretary to get our economy back on track and to create new jobs in the United States," Lujan said.

Lt. Gov. Diane Denish will become New Mexico's first female governor if Richardson is approved by the Senate.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.