Gov. Bill Richardson (Photo by Heath Haussamen)
Bill Richardson says he’s not seeking a job in Washington and plans to finish out his term as governor.
“That used to be an agenda of mine, but no longer,” article published today in the New York Times quoted him as saying about getting another job in Washington.
After Richardson finishes his term as governor, according to the article, “he plans to take some time off to travel the country in a car — driving himself for the first time in years — to fulfill his longtime dream of visiting every major league baseball park.”
“I look forward to becoming a normal person,” the newspaper quoted Richardson as saying.
The article was taking a look at Richardson’s stature now that the investigation into allegations of pay to play in the his administration involving CDR Financial Products is over.
From the article:
“Gov. Bill Richardson got a standing ovation at a speech last week, and he said it felt like a hug from an old friend. It had been more than nine months since he was received with anything more than polite applause.”
Richardson was quoted by the newspaper as saying he knows “the burden of being unfairly accused,” but said “A cloud has been lifted… and I feel vindicated, and I feel like I’m back 100 percent.”
Richardson, the article states, plans to focus during the remainder of his term on cutting the state’s dropout rate and working on solar and other alternative energy. And he says he’s going to stay out of the 2010 race to replace him.
Richardson also said he has no interest in lobbying.
“I have no interest in making money. I have no interest in leaving New Mexico,” the governor told the Times.
Updated, 10:40 a.m.
It’s worth noting that the largely rosy Times article doesn’t mention the ongoing federal investigation into the investment scandal.