Governor Bill Richardson dropped out of the race for President fairly early on. His endorsement of Barack Obama came at great personal risk, due to his longtime friendship with the Clinton's. When the Cabinet appointments started coming down, I first thought State or even Treasury would be the reward for his endorsement. Both President-elect Obama (that feels sooo good to say) and Gov. Richardson may have out-thought me. Follow over the fold for why.
One of the most important jobs the Commerce Department has is administration of the U.S. Census. 2010 may end up being one of the most important censuses (censii?) in living memory. Congressional redistricting, of course, but also the explosion of the latino population particularly in the Western states.
Gov. Richardson, both as a Western governor and latino, even doing his own translation of his acceptance in Spanish, proves that these segments of the population will not be neglected. It also, hopefully, will mean that the arguements about including the homeless will not be the problem it has been in the past. Also, hopefully, that the redistricting that comes out of this Census will allow the Democratic Party to cement some districts that we have fought so hard to bring into the fold.
Congratulations Gov. Richardson, this may truly be the appointment that will end up being the plum choice.