Don't know for sure - but it seems like a good bit of democrats are 'running into difficulties here lately.'  But then, what's not to be a surprise or newsworthy.

 

As Caroline Kenney would say  "YOU KNOW?"

 

Such a farce the two parties have become.

Do you mean the CIA and NOT the Commerce Secretary job? 

I really like Bill Richardson too.  At least he pulled himself out instead of having to be forced out.  I hope he is cleared of any wrong doing in this matter.  He's done a lot of good things for this country.

 Leon Panetta was Transportation  Secretary wasn't he, under Clinton?

A person has to be pure as the driven snow  to approved for dog catcher anymore.  It's getting harder and harder to find people that don't have some "issue" in their lives.  Then they have to be intelligent and capable as well.  So far, it looks like Obama has done a pretty decent job of finding the right people. 

These kinds of issues come up for every new president.. It's just the way it is..for both parties.

He is being considered for the CIA post.

I am not sure why as he has no real experience.

I also don't know why it is mentioned in conjunction with Richardson.

Panetta is a diplomatic  and intelligent man  for what it's worth.

Panetta wasn't transportation  secretary.  He held the same job as rahm emmuel has now with obama.

It seems he is well respected and is a good pick.