Ooopsy!...Funds Connect Obama With Richardson Pay-to-Play Scandal!

ABC News is reporting that Barack Obama has financial ties to David Rubin, a central figure in the Bill Richardson "pay-to-play" scandal which forced him to withdraw himself from consideration for Commerce Secretary.

President-elect Barack Obama took big money from a man at the center of a federal probe that has forced one of Obama's top Cabinet picks to withdraw.

Financial records show the Obama campaign got more than $30,000 from California financier David Rubin, the target of an investigation into donations and possible "pay-to-play" deals involving New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, Obama's pick for commerce secretary.

In late September, Rubin attended an exclusive Los Angeles fundraiser for Obama, held at the Beverly Hills' Greystone Mansion. Attendees gave tens of thousands of dollars which the campaign split between its own coffers, the Democratic National Committee and state-level campaign groups supporting Obama and Democratic candidates. The technique helps campaigns take in from individuals far more than the $2,300 maximum they are allowed to give to a single campaign fund.

Yawn! Why are we not surprised?

Oops! Bill Richardson Withdrawls His Nomination to Be Commerce Secretary

In an (un)stunning development Sunday, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson withdrew him name for consideration to head the Commerce Department amidst controversy surrounding his pay-to-play scandal.

"I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process," Richardson said. "Given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in good conscience ask the president-elect and his administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done."

Is anyone picking up a theme here? Anybody alive out there?

Bill Richardson: Et Tu Pay to Play?

Bloomberg is reporting an investigation into possible pay-to-play involving New Mexico!

• A federal grand jury is investigating how a company that advised Jefferson County, Alabama, on bond deals that threaten to cause the biggest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history, did similar work in New Mexico after making contributions to Governor Bill Richardson's political action committees.

Maybe Obama is right? Dealing with rogue dictators might not be the most difficult he has to overcome when he has so many rogue friends to discuss!

Oh The Humanity! Hillary Accepts Secretary of State Nomintation

Congratulations to President-Elect Obama on his expediency in assembling his potential cabinet.

Bill Richardson has also been tapped to head the Commerce Department and New York Federal Reserve Chief Timothy Geithner will be nominated to head the Treasury Department.

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