LOS ANGELES - The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) issued the following statement regarding President-elect Obama’s nomination of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to serve as Secretary of Commerce:

“The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the nation’s preeminent Latino leadership organization, commends President-elect Obama for his nomination of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to serve as Secretary of Commerce.  We congratulate Governor Richardson on this important appointment, which would place him in charge of shaping the future course of critical policies affecting the domestic and global economy.  He will have the responsibility of running a department with a budget of over $7 billion and a staff of over 41,000 employees.  The Department of Commerce also includes the Bureau of the Census, and we look forward to working with Governor Richardson after his confirmation to ensure that we achieve the most accurate count possible of the nation’s population in 2010.

“Governor Richardson comes to the Obama Cabinet with an impressive record of public service.  He served as a U.S. Representative from New Mexico from 1983-97, and traveled across the globe to address foreign relation matters.  During the Clinton administration, he held the positions of Ambassador to the United Nations from 1997-98 and Secretary of Energy from 1998-2001. While at the United Nations, Governor Richardson defused and deflected difficulties and crises all over the world.  He is a respected diplomat who successfully won the release of hostages, soldiers and prisoners in Iraq, Cuba, the Sudan and North Korea. 

“In addition, Governor Richardson is the first major Latino leader to mount a viable candidacy for the Presidency of the United States.  He is also a long-time NALEO member, and this year, NALEO awarded him the Edward R. Roybal Award for Outstanding Public Service. 

 “NALEO hopes that the nomination of Governor Richardson is just the first of many appointments of Latinos to the highest positions in the Obama administration.  President-elect Obama’s Cabinet must fully reflect the face of America, including significant representation from the Latino community, the nation’s second largest and fastest-growing population group.  There are many exceptionally-qualified Latinos who would strengthen our nation’s governance through their service at the top levels of the new administration.  NALEO looks forward to working with the administration to ensure we achieve this goal.”