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Hispanic politician Bill Richardson, governor of New Mexico a month ago and who was nominated by President-elect Barack Obama of the United States as his next secretary of Commerce, announced on Sunday that rejected the nomination amid findings of a jury investigation.

The federal jury that was investigating how a California company that helped with the political activities of Richardson won a state contract in New Mexico for more than a million dollars.


Richardson is one of the most prominent Hispanic in the Democratic Party, having worked in Congress and as President Bill Clinton's ambassador to the United Nations and as secretary of Energy.

As governor, has maintained a high international profile, especially when it comes to negotiate with nations difficult. Obama also envisaged to Richardson for the post of secretary of state.


The president-elect, who takes office on January 20, said in a statement it accepted the withdrawal of Richardson "with great regret."

He added that the governor was putting the nation first to avoid any delay in the appointment of those who occupy the ministerial office.


In a statement issued by the office of transition from Obama, Richardson said the investigation could take weeks or months and that he could not ask Obama to delay the work of the Department of Commerce. Richardson said the investigation will show that he "acted properly" in all fields.

"Given the gravity of the economic situation facing the nation, could not be with a clear conscience ask the president-elect and his government a day or postpone the important work that needs to be done," added Richardson.


Richardson said he will remain as governor. He told Obama: "I am eager to work in the future in any manner that he deems useful."

The announcement was made prior to scheduled meetings on Monday between Obama and congressional leaders on a massive economic recovery initiative that he hopes that lawmakers approved quickly.


"Although we must move quickly to fill the void left by the decision of Governor Richardson, I hope their future service to our country and in my administration," Obama said in the statement.

A person familiar with the proceedings told The Associated Press that the jury comes investigates the possible existence of improper relationships between the company CDR Financial Products and someone in a state office in New Mexico to accept the contract.


State documents show that the state of New Mexico COR paid a total of $ 1,480 million in 2004 and 2005 for work in a program of transport.