Richardson lands ambassador gig


Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has been named a special envoy to the Organization of American States.

OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza announced Richardson's appointment on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., after the two met.

Richardson, a Democrat, finished his second term as governor at the end of last month. He held a similar post with the OAS in 2006, but left it after launching a presidential bid in 2007.

The secretary general said in a statement that Richardson's missions as a goodwill ambassador will be decided in the next few weeks, but the former governor will focus on immigration and economic development.

Richardson served as U.N. ambassador and energy secretary under former President Bill Clinton.

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