Upon winning the 2008 US Presidential Elections, Democratic President-elect Barack Obama has not wasted any time building up his administrative cabinet. So far, it has been revealed that Obama has eyed Democratic governor Janet Napolitano of Arizona to be the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Now, it has been revealed that Obama is eyeing former Democratic primary rival Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico to be the Secretary of Commerce. Should they accept their positions, there will be two notable cabinet members from the southwest United States. However, nominations need to be confirmed by the United States Senate first.
But, there are still two US Senate races going on in Minnesota and Georgia. The Alaska Senate race recently ended with incumbent GOP Senator Ted Stevens losing his reelection bid. Back in late October, Stevens was convicted of falsifying statements about gifts that he had received. Despite the convictions, Stevens still ran for reelection.
In regards to Richardson, an official said that Obama plans to officially announce the nomination after Thanksgiving. However, the official came forth anonymously.
Should Richardson accept and become confirmed, he will bring experience in the fields of the White House, foreign policy, and energy policy. Richardson is a veteran to the White House as he served under then-Democratic President Bill Clinton. While serving under Clinton, Richardson served as the 21st US Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) and the 9th US Secretary of Energy.
Before serving under Clinton, Richardson was a member of the US House of Representatives.
Also, Richardson does bring knowledge, experience, and insight on the Middle East. This is due to engaging in direct talks to the then Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. Hussein was executed by hanging on December 30, 2006.
Plus, he also brings experience and insight in regards to North Korea and Sudan.
During the CNN Democratic Debates back in 2007, there was the subject of Sudan. He had brought the idea of a US boycott of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Richardson explained that China is Sudan’s number one buyer of oil. He said that a threat of a boycott should pressure China to do more to stop the genocide in Darfur.
After the New Hampshire contest in the Democratic primary, Richardson dropped out. Months later, Richardson would give his endorsement to Obama.
Leave Your Comments