Obama names Richardson as Commerce Secretary

As expected, President-elect named rival-turned-supporter Bill Richardson as his secretary of commerce. He called the New Mexico governor a perfect ambassador for US business interests in the midst of deep global economic turmoil. Obama said Richardson would be uniquely suited to help represent U.S. business interests around the world. Gov Richardson, whose appointment must be confirmed by the Senate, also served as a congressman and U.N. ambassador and was energy secretary under President Bill Clinton. "It's time to not just address our immediate economic threats, but to start laying the groundwork for long-term economic prosperity -- to help American businesses grow and thrive at home, and expand our efforts to promote American enterprise around the world," Obama said. Richardson, the first Latino named to Obama's Cabinet, said there was a vital role for the Commerce Department in the economic recovery. "I look forward to working with Secretary-Designee Richardson to create good-paying jobs and promote economic development; restore our manufacturing sector; increase our competitive edge; encourage foreign investment in our highly productive workforce; and, promote American goods and services around the world," said Sen Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. "There is much work to do and I can't wait to tackle the challenges ahead immediately ­ there is not a moment to waste."