LOS ANGELES — Today, the Executive Director of The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) issued the following statement regarding Governor Richardson’s withdrawal as nominee for Secretary of Commerce:

“The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the nation’s preeminent Latino leadership organization, is deeply disappointed to learn that Governor Richardson withdrew his nomination to serve as the next Secretary of Commerce.  He has served our nation with great distinction as Ambassador to the United Nations, Secretary of Energy, a Member of Congress and he would have made an outstanding member of President-elect Obama’s Administration.  We know the people of New Mexico will continue to benefit from Governor Richardson’s public service as he completes his term.”

“President-elect Obama’s first lasting legacy would have been the seating of a Cabinet with three Latino members.  We urge President-elect Obama to not pass up on the opportunity to fulfill this legacy.  There is no shortage of qualified Latino candidates who are ready and able to serve in the capacity of Commerce Secretary, including Adolfo Carrión, Jr., Gil Casellas, George Muñoz, Federico Peña, Nydia Velázquez, and many others.”