By KRWG News
New Mexico – Gov. Bill Richardson has a week left as governor, and he's reflecting on the good and the bad of the past eight years.
He says the lowest point was when his chance at a cabinet post in the Obama administration fizzled because of a federal investigation into an alleged pay-to-play scheme.
The investigation ended with no charges against Richardson or his top aides, but the allegations and a pending federal investigation into state investments continue to fuel criticism of the governor and his administration.
Richardson tells The Associated Press the allegations were baseless, politically motivated and never amounted to anything more than rumor and innuendo.
While he acknowledges his reputation was clouded, he's confident he will be remembered for the ambitious projects spurred by his administration and the international spotlight he brought to New Mexico.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.