WHAT THEY SAID

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12/3/2008 -

Reaction to Gov. Bill Richardson's appointment as commerce secretary by President-elect Barack Obama:

"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. 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."

U.S. Sen.-elect Tom Udall, a Democrat



"New Mexico's loss is the nation's gain. New Mexico has moved forward under Gov. Richardson's leadership. Bill Richardson will be an outstanding commerce secretary and his experience will be crucial in turning our economy around as he works with world leaders to build a stronger global economy."

Brian Colon, state Democratic Party chairman



"We congratulate Governor Richardson on this important appointment, which would place him in charge of shaping the future course of critical policies affecting the domestic and global economy."

statement by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials



"His selection as commerce secretary shows President(-elect) Obama's commitment to turning our economy around and his ability to bring in a diverse team of leaders with exceptional talents and backgrounds."

U.S. Rep.-elect Ben Ray Luján, a Democrat



"Richardson's actions raise serious questions about his judgment and sense of fairness, requisite qualifications of a presidential Cabinet nominee."

Letter by group of Asian Americans who object to the way Richardson, as energy secretary, handled the case of Wen Ho Lee, a former nuclear weapons scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory once suspected of being a spy



"Bill Richardson is an excellent choice to lead the Department of Commerce. In this capacity, he will be able to do for the country what he has done so well in New Mexico: create good and lasting jobs.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M.



"The breadth and depth of his vast experience in New Mexico, in Washington and around the world, his keen intellect and his ability to provide innovative solutions to complex problems will all be needed and utilized as he, President(-elect) Obama and the new Congress look to fix our ailing economy."

U.S. Rep.-elect Martin Heinrich, a Democrat