Obama accepts Richardson withdrawal for commerce

CHICAGO (Reuters) - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said on Sunday he was withdrawing as President-elect Barack Obama's nominee for commerce secretary because of an investigation into a company that had done business with his state.

Obama said in a statement he had accepted Richardson's decision with "deep regret" and said it showed "his willingness to put the nation first that he has removed himself as a candidate for the Cabinet in order to avoid any delay in filling this important economic post at this critical time."

Obama said he would move quickly to fill the position. Richardson said in a separate statement he had done nothing wrong but the investigation would have caused a long delay in the confirmation process.

(Reporting by Deborah Charles, Editing by Sandra Maler)