AP: Richardson said to be clear in fed investigation

(Updated below with Richardson statement.)

The Associated Press' Barry Massey reports that Gov. Bill Richardson won't be charged in the yearlong probe into pay-to-play allegations that forced Richardson to give up his commerce secretary nomination.

"New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and former high-ranking members of his administration won’t be criminally charged in a yearlong federal investigation into pay-to-play allegations involving one of the Democratic governor’s large political donors, someone familiar with the case said," according to the story.

Read all of it here.

No word yet from the Governor's Office on the report.

UPDATE, 8:04 a.m.

Richardson spokesman Gilbert Gallegos just emailed me a "no comment" on the report.

UPDATE, 4:11 p.m.

Just got this statement from Richardson's office:

“While the U.S. Attorney’s Office has not notified Governor Richardson about the completion of its investigation, it appears that no action will be taken as a result of the year-long inquiry,” Deputy Chief of Staff Gilbert Gallegos said.

“Governor Richardson has known all along that neither he nor any staff members committed any transgressions during their successful fundraising back in 2004. The U.S. Attorney’s thorough and lengthy investigation has apparently determined the same thing – that no indiscretions occurred.

Although patience was difficult while Governor Richardson and his administration were being falsely accused and were the subject of rumors and speculation through the news media, Governor Richardson chose to remain silent and let the justice system run its course. Governor Richardson is gratified that this year-long investigation has ended with the vindication of his administration.”


So is this the end of the story with CDR? Read tomorrow's New Mexican for analysis.