Richardson: "It was my idea to withdraw"

From NBC's Lauren Appelbaum After withdrawing as Obama's nominee for Commerce Secretary, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson insisted today he made the choice by himself and was not pressured by the transition team.   "It was my idea to withdraw," he said. "I withdrew because I felt I didn't want a possible inquiry going on to delay the enormous progress we need to rebuild this economy."   Richardson repeatedly said his desire to bow out of the appointment stemmed from not wanting his confirmation to be delayed because of the ongoing investigation.   "I had hoped that the CDR investigation would have concluded in December, with a clean bill of health to my administration," Richardson explained at a press conference in his home state. "Since the investigation was not finished in December, and as long as the CDR investigation is ongoing, I'm making the decision to withdraw as the President-elect's nominee for Commerce Secretary rather than ask for a delay in my appointment." ... (link)