A former aide to Gov. Bill Richardson who was once at the center of the GRIPgate probe reiterated on Friday — as the probe came to an end without charges being filed — what he’s said before: that he and the governor acted “appropriately and ethically at all times.”
Federal prosecutors had been investigating whether Dave Contarino, who Richardson once described as his “most senior and trusted aide,” was involved in the alleged pay-to-play scheme that derailed the governor’s nomination to be commerce secretary. The investigation was formally dropped last week.
Here’s Contarino’s statement:
“As the Governor and I have said from the beginning, we acted appropriately and ethically at all times and a fair and impartial investigation would bear out those facts.
“This investigation has gone on for over a year. I want to acknowledge and thank the literally hundreds of friends in NM and across the country who have supported me through this ordeal. Their faith and belief in me — and in Governor Richardson — were a source of great strength through the long months of headlines, rumors, baseless accusations and efforts by some to exploit this investigation for personal and political gain.
“I worked tirelessly as a public servant and have given my time and energy to help improve the lives of New Mexicans. I hope that my year-long ordeal does not deter others from dedicating themselves to public service.
“I am happiest for Governor Richardson who, in the face of all this, continued to make a positive difference — every day — in the lives of New Mexican citizens.”