December 03, 2008 01:22 AM UTC

Commerce Secretary Bill Richardson

• 3 Comments
• by: Colorado Pols

CNN reports:

President-elect Barack Obama plans to nominate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to be secretary of commerce, a Democratic source told CNN on Tuesday.

The former Democratic presidential candidate’s name has been banded about as the next head of commerce.

Obama spoke with Richardson about the position November 14, a senior Democratic source said. The source said Richardson has always been on Obama’s list of possibilities for the key Cabinet position.

Richardson, 61, also traveled to Chicago, Illinois, in November to meet with Obama, according to a source.

“He brings to this plate, in particular in an era where the economy is the focus of attention, a lot of skills that could be put to use — perhaps opening up marketplaces for U.S. products abroad,” CNN senior political correspondent Candy Crowley said.

… In April, Richardson said he was “very close to endorsing” Clinton but decided not to after the campaign became negative.

His endorsement was viewed as an act of betrayal by some longtime Clinton supporters.

CNN political analyst James Carville, who has close ties to both Clintons, likened Richardson’s endorsement to Judas’ betrayal of Christ…