Former Gov. Bill Richardson (Photo by Heath Haussamen)
The New York Times has some new details on the federal investigation into allegations that former Gov. Bill Richardson had supporters pay off a woman during his 2008 presidential campaign to keep quiet about their alleged extramarital affair.
From the newspaper:
“Another former member of the Richardson administration confirmed that a sexual harassment claim was made against Mr. Richardson around 2007 by a woman connected to state government and that a settlement was discussed with one of the former governor’s personal lawyers.
“A one-time adviser to the governor, who, like the others, insisted on anonymity to discuss the politically delicate case, said a government employee complained privately in 2007 that she had felt pressured into having a sexual relationship with Mr. Richardson.
“The former adviser said that Mr. Richardson’s lawyers entered into a confidential settlement with the woman for $250,000.
“A person familiar with but not connected to the investigation said the money was believed to have been wired to the woman’s lawyer from a bank in Mexico.”
Like other media, The Times didn’t name the woman, whose identity isn’t known publicly.
The Times also quoted a “longtime former aide” as saying the investigation is “about humiliating someone they don’t like politically” and “has nothing to do with justice.”
Read the full article here.