Bill Richardson to be Commerce Secretary

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson became the third former rival of President-elect Obama to join his administration on Wednesday.

President-elect Obama selected former Democratic rival Joseph Biden to serve as his vice president. Earlier this week Obama also named Democratic rival Hillary Clinton as his secretary of State.

Richardson had been floated for the position of secretary of State and it was the position he was most interested in. Once his name had been floated as Commerce secretary the surprise came in Richardson's acceptance of the position and not the offer.

Richardson has the knowledge and experience to serve in any number of cabinet level positions. Former Republican Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee told NPR Wednesday that Richardson was an excellent choice and that he would serve well at any cabinet post.

Richardson is the first Hispanic named to the Obama cabinet and the eighth to come down the pike. Obama has so far out paced any previous incoming president in naming his cabinet.

A Hispanic reporter Wednesday questioned Obama on whether or not the Commerce position was a "consolation prize" after being turned down for the job at the State Department.

"Commerce secretary is a pretty good job. It's a member of my key economic team." Richardson went on to called it "the programmatic nerve center in America's struggle to rejuvenate our economy."

I have to agree that Commerce at this point in history is no consolation prize. While it may not carry the prestige of being the head diplomat of the United States, Richardson will be the head salesman in trying to turn around a struggling economy.

Richardson's job will be a tough sell but with a struggling economy more eyes will be on him and the rest of the economic team than ever before.

This is the perfect opportunity for Richardson to show what he is made of and Obama nominating him shows the kind of confidence he has in him.