Politics | Bill Richardson Amid Probe, Richardson Drops Bid for Commerce By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Jan 4, 2009 1:06 PM CST Copied In this file photo from Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008, President-elect Barack Obama listens as Commerce Secretary designate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, speaks during a news conference in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File) Bill Richardson has withdrawn his nomination to be commerce secretary amid a grand jury investigation into a lucrative state contract awarded to a firm that backed the New Mexico governor's political activities. Barack Obama's transition office said today that Obama has accepted Richardson's withdrawal. A person familiar with the proceedings has told the AP that the grand jury is looking into possible "pay-to-play" dealings between California-based CDR Financial Products and someone in a position to push the contract through with the state of New Mexico. Read These Next Kelly Clarkson's ex died a day after she disclosed he was ill. Two state troopers were shot in Pennsylvania JD Vance in hot water over birthday boating trip. Ivanka and Jared are making headlines again. Get breaking news in your inbox. What you need to know, as soon as we know it. Sign up Report an error