MyDD :: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary

AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary

by Jonathan Singer, Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 02:59:21 PM EST

What position do you give the man who has already served as Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations, Secretary of Energy, and Governor? Apparently Secretary of Commerce.

President-elect Barack Obama has chosen New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to be commerce secretary, adding a prominent Hispanic and one-time Democratic rival to his expanding Cabinet.

Obama planned to announce the nomination after Thanksgiving, according to a Democratic official familiar with the discussions. The official was not authorized to speak publicly about the negotiations and did so on condition of anonymity.

I have been getting the same questions over and over in recent days: What exactly does the Secretary of Commerce do? The definition from Wikipedia -- that the department it runs is "concerned with business and industry" -- doesn't do much to clear up the question. Here's a better answer from the AP:

The department promotes American business in America and abroad. It also issues patents and trademarks and protects intellectual property.

According to their own website, the current secretary, Carlos Gutierrez, has about 38,000 workers and an almost $7 billion budget.

The Commerce Department also crafts telecommunication and technology policy.

I don't know too much about Richardson's stances and experience vis a vis the promotion of American business and technology, but considering the economic growth in New Mexico during his time as the state's Governor -- particularly the growth in the fields of tourism and entertainment -- as well as his background in working with the bureaucracy (in both the state level and the federal level), this comes off as a solid pick.

Tags: Obama Administration, Bill Richardson, Commerce Department (all tags)

Permalink :: 28 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (none / 0)

I have enormous respect for Bill Richardson, and I worry that he's being underutilized. Having said that, maybe you need someone with his clear skill and ability at Commerce right now to enhance the role of the Department, given the current situation.

by auronrenouille on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 03:14:10 PM EST

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (none / 0)

Yeah, seems like kind of a step down for him.

On the other hand, maybe with Obama planning to actually negotiate trade deals versus rubber stamping any trade deal that comes along in the name of "free trade," the job will gain more heft and carry more responsibilities that it has under the past several administrations.

by Bush Bites on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 05:27:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (1.00 / 6)

I wonder how Bill Richardson feels about this.

After turning his back and digging the knife deep into the Clintons. It appears that the reward for the March endorsement is small.

Even after the VP selection seemed out of reach for Bill Richardson back in the summer. Alot of folks felt Bill Richardson was the most qualified for Secretary of state. I find it very amusing and ironic that he has lost even that spot to the same person he betrayed.

I guess karma comes back to haunt Bill Richardson afterall.

How many folks out there knew that the US even had a "Commerce Secretary" much less knows what it actually does.

by newmexicodem on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 03:23:59 PM EST

this is a joke (1.66 / 3)

commerce is a "c" level position along with:

labor
energy
interior

and no one cares or pays attention to the job.

Richardson was already a "c" level and only got attention when he screwed up.

Latinos deserved an "A" level slot, and a few "b" and "c" also.

I'm sure there will be more but this is a bad move for obama to have 0 latinos in top slots.

by yellowdem1129 on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 03:31:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: this is a joke (2.00 / 2)

As a Latino I think it absurd to use a quota system in a cabinet. This isn't college admissions, and just because a cabinet looks diverse doesn't mean it will have the interest of minorities in mind. Bush had one of the most diverse cabinets in history and look how it worked out.

I want the best people for the jobs period.

John McCain wants to stay in Iraq for a century.

by jkfp2004 on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 04:04:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: this is a joke (2.00 / 1)

You're crazy.

Energy is going to be a prime cabinet position in the Obama administration.

It's one of his top initiatives.

by Bush Bites on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 05:40:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (2.00 / 1)

By all accounts he was second to Clinton and only got Commerce because Pritzker denied to undergo the vetting process. I just find it amazing that Richardson hates being Governor so much that he would take Commerce. I could assure, if and when Clinton leaves State, he gets it.

Restore America's Strength.

by RJEvans on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 03:27:19 PM EST

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (2.00 / 3)

Don't forget the Commerce Secretary is also responsible for the 2010 Census, of tremendous importance for redistricting of Congressional and state legislative districts in 2011. The last I heard, the entire decennial census was in deep trouble, primarily due to incompetence and weak oversight during the past eight years.

by JustPassingThrough on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 03:41:35 PM EST

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (2.00 / 3)

One more thought: Perhaps no other cabinet position is as important in solidifying the political power of Hispanics (historically undercounted in the census) not just in electoral representation, but all aspects of government programs and services.

by JustPassingThrough on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 04:01:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (2.00 / 4)

I work for the Department of Commerce. I work for NOAA, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. If you've ever heard of the National Weather Service or the National Hurricane Center, you're talking about agencies that are a part of Commerce. I think NOAA gets about 65% of the DOC budget because it is very capital intensive: satellites, radar, computers, etc. Other than NOAA, you primarily have Census and some Economic stuff in DoC.

Why is Commerce/NOAA important? It's the major player in climate/weather policy, and therefore a major player in Enviromental Policy along with EPA. Commerce/NOAA employs more meteorologists and climatologists, by far, than any other employer. Bill Richardson will play a huge role in this regard. With his background in Energy and Foreign Affairs, he'll bring substantial expertise to efforts to curb the effects of climate change.

by fsugrad2005 on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 04:00:35 PM EST

Thank you! (2.00 / 3)

"C" level indeed. International trade negotiation. Protection of intellectual property. Ron Brown had this post under Clinton.

Meh to those who want to find a dark storm in every cloud. A cabinet position is inconsequential if the president thinks its work in of no importance. Like talking Education under a party that contains members who want to disband the position. I am looking forward to this administration getting all "sciency" on us.

by ttmiskovsky on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 04:11:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (2.00 / 3)

The people here don't need your expert opinion.

They're too busy using this as another opportunity to attack somebody who didn't toe the Clinton Party Line.

by Bush Bites on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 05:31:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Why is NOAA (none / 0)

under the Commerce department? Seems odd.

by sneakers563 on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 08:44:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Why is NOAA (none / 0)

I've often wondered that, but when I tried to figure out where it'd be better located I couldn't really think of any department...short of making it its own Cabinet-level department. I think it's probably because good weather prediction is important to keeping commerce flowing because it helps businesses plan for the weather.

Blogging politics and life in general at jimmy.bouma-holtrop.com

by forecaster15 on Mon Nov 24, 2008 at 01:45:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (none / 0)

i think this is just temporary. i think obama's going to keep gates on as Defense sec for a year or so, just until everything in the world smoothes out. then, when he lets gates go, i think richardson gets def. sec.

Being Normal is for the Mediocre.

by Doug Tuttle on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 04:12:56 PM EST

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (none / 0)

Commerce is very important, as many have pointed out... Especially with the current state of the economy. Perhaps some here have failed to note that we are ass up to alligators in a recession. To all you 'judas' and 'betrayall' folks.... You can all jump in a hole with carvile.

Howard Dean is my go-to guy

by lojasmo on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 04:26:05 PM EST

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (none / 0)

Does anyone not know that the Census Bureau is under the Department of Commerce?

The census determines the number of representatives in the House, and the population count determines the amount of money that states can receive from the federal government.

And don't forget, commerce is the one big thing everyone is talking about when it comes to economic recovery. The Census Bureau gathers all kinds of data about the state of the economy.

by Hempy on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 07:01:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (1.00 / 3)

Good! That's what he gets for being a traitor.

by bsavage on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 04:57:24 PM EST

agree (2.00 / 1)

as Richardson proved himself to be nothing but an opportunist who will do whatever he can to be expedient. I wouldn't want that negotiating treaties.

by Lakrosse on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 05:28:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (2.00 / 2)

Traitor to whom?

He's allowed to endorse anybody he wants, you know.

by Bush Bites on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 05:32:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (2.00 / 3)

No no, once someone gives you a cabinet position, you are sworn to their service for life. In fact, you are required to serve them even unto death. When George Bush dies, Samuel Bodman will be expected to throw himself into Bush's open grave and be buried with him.

So for Richardson to endorse a candidate other than his liege's wife is a grave crime revealing his perfidious nature.

by letterc on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 06:11:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (none / 0)

It is solid, enough. However, whatever happened to Obama's first choice, heirress Pritzker? Haven't seen anything on why that didn't happen.

Purity! Or else!

by ChitownDenny on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 05:32:56 PM EST

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (none / 0)

She has a pretty sweet life...I could see her not wanting to give it up for red eye flights to Eastern Europe.

In any case, given his background in negotiating internation agreements, I think Richardson would be a better choice.

by Bush Bites on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 05:42:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: AP: Bill Richardson for Commerce Secretary (none / 0)

I agree.

Purity! Or else!

by ChitownDenny on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 05:52:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

What does Commerce do (none / 0)

from http://www.commerce.gov/
Commerce Bureaus

* Bureau of Industry and Security
* Economics and Statistics Administration
o Bureau of the Census
o Bureau of Economic Analysis
* Economic Development Administration
* International Trade Administration
* Minority Business Development Agency
* National Institute of Standards and Technology
* National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
* National Technical Information Service
* National Telecommunications and Information Administration
* Patent and Trademark Office

These are important and have been compromised under Bush. Especially the scientific ones. Think Global Warming.

by msobel on Sun Nov 23, 2008 at 07:14:02 PM EST

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