Richardson and Obama announced on Sunday that the former Democratic Presidential candidate won't be in the Obama Cabinet, because of an ongoing investigation into a company that gave political donations to Richardson and got a state contract.

Obama advisers told reporters that Richardson had denied he did anything wrong, but there was concern that an ongoing grand jury probe would delay confirmation hearings, and make his nomination a political football.

It would be interesting to know who made the decision to have Richardson withdraw. Was it his? Or did the Obama people push him off the cliff?

Realistically, this will probably all be forgotten, and as I said at the beginning, it is not an unusual event for a President Elect.

Eight years ago this week, the sharks were circling around George W. Bush's choice for Labor Secretary. In the end, Linda Chavez withdrew as Bush's choice.

Most of you probably forgot about that one and that it involved an illegal immigrant she sheltered in her house.

Sixteen years ago right now, it was a nanny problem that was slowly eating away at the chances of Attorney General designate Zoe Baird. Bill Clinton's choice for AG ultimately threw in the towel a few weeks later.

So, "stuff" happens when it comes to forming a Cabinet.

The big question for Obama's aides right now is going to be whether Richardson is the one sacrificial lamb. Does it mean the others all get confirmed without any trouble? Or is there someone else who might become a Political Hot Potato?

Stay tuned.