Bill Richardson Receives Payback from Barack Obama

During the Campaign, Richardson Endorsed Obama at a Key Point

Bill Richardson, more than anyone, has been a sure bet to win a prime spot in the administration of President-elect Barack Obama. It appears that Richardson's role will come as Secretary of Commerce, although an official Obama announcement won't be made until next week.

Richardson, the New Mexico governor, ran a long-shot presidential campaign of his own. He then dropped out, and then gave his vital support to Obama at a key point during the Democratic primary campaign. Obama had come from behind to forge a virtual tie with Sen. Hillary Clinton, and the nomination was up for grabs.

Cliniton and Obama both were seeking an endorsement from Richardson, who had emerged as the nation's leading Hispanic politician. Bill Clinton even visited New Mexico to watch the Super Bowl with Richardson

Hillary Clinton eventually capitulated and campaigned hard for Obama, but last March their primary fight was getting nasty. Obama was being hounded with questions about inflammatory statements by his pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and Hillary Clinton joined the group that was throwing the punches. She said Obama had not said enough to denouce Wright, and that she personally would not have tolerated such a pastor in the first place. Obama answered in Philadelphia with a speech about race relations that now is known as a hallmark of his campaign.

Richardson could have remained neutral, but during the peak of the Jeremiah Wright controversy, he cast his die with Obama. This played a part in causing the criticism to eventually die down.

"I believe the campaign has gotten too negative," Mr. Richardson said at the time , in regards to Hillary Clinton's criticism of Obama. "I want it to be positive. I think that's what's been very good about Senator Obama's campaign - it's a positive campaign about hope and opportunity."

The Clintons felt betrayed. After all, Bill Clinton had appointed Richardson as Secretary of Energy and then as ambassador to the United Nations. The Clintons zipped their lips but one of their top advisers, James Carville, described Richardson as a "Judas" who was cashing in "30 coins of silver" to win favor with Obama.