Richardson administration and CDR pay for play investigation
Governor ducks query about grand jury
Hastily retreats from news conference
Updated: Friday, 19 Jun 2009, 12:16 PM MDT
Published : Wednesday, 17 Dec 2008, 12:56 AM MST
SANTA FE (KRQE) - Gov. Bill Richardson was happy to meet the media to announce new jobs Tuesday but quickly left as News 13 raised questions about a grand jury investigation into one of his campaign donor's state contracts.
A federal grand jury is investigating how a California financial advisory firm that made contributions to Richardson's political activities got a big contract to do work for the state.
It's a sore subject making national headlines shortly after President-elect Barack Obama nominated Richardson to be his secretary of commerce.
On Tuesday Richardson held a news conference in his capitol offices with the president of a company who's moving to New Mexico and potentially hiring hundreds of workers to produce solar-energy products. But as the company executive was finishing his statement, the governor was already headed for the door
"Governor? Governor? Any questions at all about CDR?" News 13 reporter Dave Bohman queried.
Richardson ignored the questions about CDR Financial Products, the company at the center of the grand jury probe, and quickly headed for his private office.
Political blogger Joe Monahan said now that the story's gone national, it could affect the governor's cabinet nomination:
"This is not what you want as a stocking stuffer," Monahan said. "You have the United States Senate getting ready to hold confirmation hearings on your nomination for secretary of commerce and you have this sidebar issue, a somewhat sensational one of a federal grand jury investigation."
The grand jury meeting in the Albuquerque federal courthouse is looking at two contracts CDR got with the state in 2004 totaling $1.5 million.
About the time it got those deals, the company made contributions of almost $100,000 to two Richardson political committees.
According to published reports, the FBI and the grand jury are trying to determine if anyone from Richardson's office pressured the state to select CDR for the state contracts.
After Richardson walked out of the news conference, News 13 asked his spokesman, Gilbert Gallegos, why no one was willing to address the issue on camera.
Gallegos left another copy of a two-month old statement that said the governor "is aware of the questions" and that any state agency should "cooperate with federal officials."
The Washington Post reported that the grand jury heard Tuesday from several witnesses including former officials of Richardson's political action committees that received those contributions from CDR.
Online Comments
| poor boy Hobbs, NM | Dec 17, 2008
Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. |
| Jack Abbott Philadelphia, PA | Dec 17, 2008
This makes two scandals before inauguration day. Nothing like "CHANGE" eh? Hahahahahaha;> |
| Debbie Albuquerque, NM | Dec 17, 2008
Just like Richardson. Duck the issue and it will go away as he "smiles brightly" and says "see what I've done" with things like the the Rail Runner which is costing mega mega bucks (never mind the short falls in the budget) and other blunders. I only hope that the United States Senate is VERY thorough in their delving into his political activities, including an illegal union which continually threatens state employees. |
| Judy Austin, TX | Dec 17, 2008
Well we are in for change may not be for the better but we are off and running. Richardson will get out of it we all know that. He still owes money to his campaign also so what is up his sleeve next. I just want to see him out of my home state. like Arkansas wanted Clinton out. |
| Kathy Thoreau, NM | Dec 17, 2008
Pay for Play is nothing new in the Richardson administration. This is politics as usual in New Mexico under the leadership of Bill Richardson. His appointments of weak and unqualified "yes" men and women, cronyism, womanizing and other self serving political behaviors, as well as his abusive and explosive temper may at last soon become public. He has many capabilities. He is simply not ethical. |
| shusaflyin Boulder, CO | Dec 17, 2008
Thank you for exposing these crooks in high places .. please continue to be diligent in efforts to report the abuses of power that seem to be rampant in our government ... journalists should pursue and uphold a very high standard of honest reporting to the people -- and it is certainly refreshing to see your people making this attempt .. Here is the analysis -- the American people are basically good, but our leaders ( most of them) are selling us down the road to serfdom while they enhance their own bank accounts.. and no one is holding them accountable .. Kudos!!!!!!!!!! |
| Paul AOL | Dec 17, 2008
Most politicians are crooks,Richardson is a big fat one. He runs one of the poorest states and they want him for commerce secretary??? Is that a joke? |
| I love krqe website Albuquerque, NM | Dec 17, 2008
I am appalled that the Governor's aide would attack a Channel 13 story that Richardson would not answer questions and abruptly left the news conference. I think it just shows how worried Richardson and his aides are about the backlash and possible repercussions to his cabinet appointment. Money, money, money! It is usually the cause of more pain and corruption than anything else. Just ask the people of Chicago. Richardson has done alot for this state, especially if you compare him to the former governor. But it is now clear to me that he just used New Mexico to try and get back to Washington. I heard the morning host of KKOB last week characterize Richardson as rude, pushy, boorish and a bully. Now I see it. He thinks he can push around Channel 13. Just answer the question if you don't have anything to hide. By not answering the question and then bullying Channel 13 he looks guilty and looks like he has a lot to hide. |
| prediction 2009 Albuquerque, NM | Dec 17, 2008
1. Billy will not get confirmed. He will step down. 2. The Rail Runner will bleed money for eternity. 3. Spaceport will never get completed. |
| wants out of this state Albuquerque, NM | Dec 17, 2008
Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Richardson look the same when it comes to sneaking around,give Richardson a couple days. Hope he goes to WA DC maybe they will keep a closer eye on him. Get him out of NM. I moved here 4 yrs ago and can not believe what this state does. A native New Mexican told me 4 yrs ago that it is not as bad as it use to be, What does that say. This state is happy electing crooks?? Richardson just proves how the rest of this state function's. Work ethic's are 0 no pride. NM respects the rights of illegal's more than it does US citizen's. Why can't people who live here understand English? I respect people and other culturals but get no respect for being a hard working tax payer, A United States Citizen. Richardson proves he has no respect for anyone. signed A true Native American. |
| get what he wants Albuquerque, NM | Dec 17, 2008
Richardson moved to NM to get a step into the White House. He SAID he wanted to be a good governer for NM. everyone knew he just wanted a place to land for awhile he couldn't have California. So good bye and don't come back. KRQE has guts to go after the truth, but stops at digging to deep in what other little issues the Gov. has side stepped. Why can't the media get it Right ? Want to bet in a few days KRQE backs off and who do you think is putting the money or the policial heavy hand on KRQE Slick Rich, will have the Last laugh. Look at all the Good old boys Baraak is giving the golden hand shake to. Anyone else scared |
| Thomas D Maier Albuquerque, NM | Dec 17, 2008
Keep up the great work. This is the very reason why we watch KRQE. They never want to answer the "In depth" questions. I wish the national news reporters had your dedication and ethics. |
| stever Albuquerque, NM | Dec 17, 2008
Good work KRQE. Don't back down. I'll watch your news. Seems KKOB has been sold out to Gov. Bill for some time: many times Richardson's file photo was great while they showed a most unflattering one of Pres. Bush. Further KKOB did a real number on Darren White durring the 'debate' when they gave him a bad microphone, and it took 20 minutes to fix it. I refuse to consume KKOB news. They won't change until they are held accountable-they understand money and falling ratings. I can't stand Obama-horrid ideas and old tired slogans-but I am thankful if Gov Bill leaves town. The Failrunner is a rediculous idea, many believe they can save the world by riding on a little train. Too many woppers and foolish capers. I'll pitch in for his bus ticket. |
| Don AOL | Dec 17, 2008
I have no doubt that the Grand Jury will find enough to send Richardson to a Jury trial. Richardson is as crooked as the Senator involved in the Teapot Dome Scandel. He was re-elected 2 years ago and has spent less than a year in this state since then. He should be made to pay back all of his salary since his re-election. Worse yet he is trying to turn my native state into another California. The Democrates, including Richardson, have ruined this state and raped and pillaged Southeast New Mexico of the only real wealth in this state. Education in New Mexico has been the real looser in all this. With Richardson, and the rest of the Democrats in Washington, D.C., this is what the nation will have to look forward to. It is hard to think this way of the Democrats since my family were all Democrats and I was raised on. When I moved back home 4 years ago, Richardson changed my political philosophy. May God forgive us for what we have done to this wonderful nation. |
| John Albuquerque, NM | Dec 18, 2008
Oh no! I don't want to hear anything that might compromise his Commerce Secretary appointment. He makes me sick. |
| Hispano Albuquerque, NM | Dec 18, 2008
Fellow New Mexicans, do not be alarmed. The loud explosion heard in Santa Fe was bills bubble being busted and the door of opportunity being slammed shut. Not to worry, errand boy gilbert gallegos will clean it up as soon as he stops crying!! Oh how the mighty fall in New Mexico!!! |
| Basta Albuquerque, NM | Dec 18, 2008
Government for Sale!!!! .....this all started with Reaganomics and has massively run through the veins of this entire country. We need to end political ads on television and have these politicians go on horse and buggy if they have to to run for office. I am SICK and TIRED of greed and vendidos! YA BASTA!!! |
| Basta Albuquerque, NM | Dec 18, 2008
Government for Sale!!!! .....this all started with Reaganomics and has massively run through the veins of this entire country. We need to end political ads on television and have these politicians go on horse and buggy if they have to to run for office. I am SICK and TIRED of greed and vendidos! YA BASTA!!! |
| Michael Albuquerque, NM | Dec 18, 2008
Our founding fathers would be ashamed! Benjamin Franklin once stated, "The good will of the governed will be starved, if not fed by the good deeds of the governors." shusaflyin wrote: Thank you for exposing these crooks in high places .. |
| Michael Albuquerque, NM | Dec 18, 2008
Our founding fathers would be ashamed of some of our so called leaders. Benjamin Franklin once stated, "The good will of the governed will be starved, if not fed by the good deeds of the governors." |
| GRAM Las Vegas, NV | Dec 18, 2008
You are known by the company you keep. Bill Richardson and Manny Aragon. Now this. I doubt the truth will ever come out. But nothing surprises me about New Mexico politics. Greed and politics, what a combination. |
| Peace be to ALL Dallas, TX | Dec 18, 2008
poor boy wrote: Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.Not in New Mexico. You are guilty and have to have lots of money to tell the truth or you have to take a plea. |
Gov. Bill Richardson leaves news conference at the capitol on Tuesday.
CDR Pay for Play Investigation Timeline
Notable events leading to the Grand Jury Indictments in the CDR pay for play …
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