Lady in waiting

When I read that New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson withdrew his appointment as the next secretary of commerce due to an investigation into possible wrong-doing, my firest thought was that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich could learn a lesson or two.

However, to be fair, there are considerable differences, not the least of which is that Richardson still has a job while Blagojevich is asked to give up his.

Then ... another thought.

Waiting in Santa Fe to take over the reins of New Mexico's government has been Lt. Gov. Diane Denish. The state's first female lieutenant governor would become its first female governor had Richardson been confirmed to President-elect Barack Obama's cabinet.

I can only imagine her personal disappoint in Richardson's situation.