Even before Gov. Bill Richardson is officially appointed to be secretary of commerce, New Mexico appears to be heading into the post-Richardson era.
Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, D-Belen, became today the first high-ranking politician to publicly congratulate Richardson for his appointment. And he’s thinking forward to the fact that, assuming Richardson leaves, Lt. Gov. Diane Denish is about to become the first female governor in the state’s history.
“It is a great honor for New Mexico and a testament to Gov. Richardson’s leadership that he will soon be joining President-elect Barack Obama’s administration as cabinet secretary for the Department of Commerce,” Sanchez said in a prepared statement. “During this time of economic crisis, it is reassuring to have a steady and proven leader guiding and assisting businesses throughout our country.”
“At the same time, it is also a historic moment as Lt. Gov. Diane Denish will assume the formal role of governor. The Senate looks forward to working together to solve the very serious financial issues facing our state,” Sanchez said.
Meanwhile, Denish is meeting today with Richardson’s cabinet secretaries to discuss “programs, budget and the upcoming session” of the Legislature, according to a news release from Denish’s office. Though Denish spokeswoman Danielle Montoya said the meetings are not in anticipation of Denish becoming governor, but are “just part of her annual info gathering for the session,” there’s no doubt the meetings will help Denish prepare for the transition and assess who she may want to keep on when she becomes governor.
Of course, all this is assuming Richardson actually does become commerce secretary, but that appears to be something that will happen. Media reports are widespread today that Obama will officially name Richardson as commerce secretary sometime after Thanksgiving.