Obama Team Defends Richardson Vetting

The incoming Obama administration must choose another nominee to head the Commerce Department, now that Bill Richardson has withdrawn his name.

Cites an ongoing investigation into an alleged "pay-to-play" scheme in New Mexico.

Obama spokesman Gibbs: "The totality of our Cabinet picks, it’s impressive, and I think our vetters have done a good job."

WashPost: "...His withdrawal marked the first visible crack in what had been one of the smoothest presidential transitions in modern history."