Here is more to the Governor Richardson story: (email from my colleague Major Garrett.) I have one lingering thought about the Richardson investigation. His team below says he has been "cleared" -- it is not common for Justice Department to clear someone (that may just be how the Richardson team is describing it.) Often prosecutors will say they are not going forward with an investigation, that they have not found evidence of wrong doing - yes, a bit nuanced from the act of clearing a target. It may well be that he has been cleared by Justice -- or it may be Richardson's team exaggerating it a bit. I am anxious to hear how the Justice Department describes it:
From: Garrett, Major
Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2009 6:49 PM
To
Subject: To close the loop on NM Gov Bill Richardson
I have already confirmed and we have urgented that he and his top aides, notably close political adviser David Contarino, have been cleared of all suspected wrong-doing in allegations about state contracts and campaign contributions.
A very senior Richardson adviser tells Fox the following - there's been no formal letter from the Justice Department clearing Gov. Richardson, but his legal team has been so advised.
The statute of limitations on the investigation (or the time assigned to its duration, depending on the legal term of art) expires tomorrow and will not be extended.
The Public Integrity Section of the Justice Department, Fox is told, reviewed everything developed in the case and made no recommendation to prosecute.
A statement outlining these facts is expected tomorrow. Richardson's team has been so advised.
Major Garrett
Senior White House Correspondent
Fox News
