Thursday, February 10, 2011

Schmitt out as energy secretary

Gov. Susana Martinez sent this statement tonight after Harrison Schmitt decided to withdraw his name as the state's Energy, Mineral and Natural Resources secretary.

"Senator Schmitt is a former NASA astronaut who underwent a complete background check by the Department of Public Safety as part of his nomination process," Martinez said.

"Senator Schmitt was willing to allow a private investigator access to his personal information, but he was not willing to waive that investigator’s liability for any improper actions or use of that information. While one can understand Senator Schmitt’s concerns, complying with the Legislature’s request is necessary to restore public confidence in state government. That’s why I am requiring all of my cabinet secretary designees to comply with that request and this has led to Senator Schmitt withdrawing his nomination."

The decision leaves many questions about just what a private investigator would want to do with anything they found, and of course, there's the question of just what they might find. . .

Martinez is on the hunt for a new secretary.

1 comment:

  1. I hope Governor Martinez can rise above the business interests and nominate someone who will really look out for the interests of the people of New Mexico.

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