cabinet

Earlier today, Governor Bill Richardson informed President-elect Barack Obama that he is withdrawing from consideration as Secretary of Commerce. Richardson's withdrawal comes on the heels of a grand jury investigation into a company that did business with the state of New Mexico.

Gov. Bill Richardson has dropped his plans to be commerce secretary for President-elect Barack Obama, his office confirmed this afternoon.

Richardson's office released a statement this afternoon saying the governor was withdrawing his name as an investigation of a company that did business with the state is pending.

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A grand jury in Albuquerque reportedly is looking into a possible "pay-to-play" connection between a Beverly Hills financial company's large contributions to Richardson political action committees and nearly $1.

Even though Washington state voters voted for four more years of Gov. Chris Gregoire, it already appears they will get a change in cabinet posts. The leaders of three of Washington's government agencies have announced this week that they will be leaving their posts, The Olympian reports.

Jone Bosworth is stepping down from the Department of Early Learning, which she has led since its inception in 2006. Also leaving are Children's Administration chief Cheryl Stephani and Fish and Wildlife Department Director Jeff Koenings.

There is plenty of speculation that Dr. Koenings was ousted for not doing enough to restore salmon runs and boost the sport fishing industry.