Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said on Monday that she isn't interested in seeking a job in Washington, in the wake of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's decision to withdraw as President-elect Barack Obama's choice for commerce secretary.

Investigation Timeline | Richardson Out

Richardson pulled out of contention on Sunday after news became public that a federal grand jury is investigating how a California company that contributed to Richardson's political activities won a New Mexico transportation contract worth more than $1 million.

"She stands firmly by her decision" to drop out of consideration for the Cabinet, said her spokeswoman Nicole Corcoran.

As speculation grows about who Obama might tap for the post, Richardson said his decision was based on not wanting to hold up Obama's transition to power. He said Sunday he did nothing wrong.

"Let me say unequivocally that I and my administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process. Given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in good conscience ask the president-elect and his administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done," Richardson said in a statement. "So, for now, I will remain in the job I love, governor of New Mexico."

Obama accepted Richardson's decision, and hinted that there may be room for a man who would have been the highest-ranking Hispanic in the Obama administration.

"It is a measure of 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. "Although we must move quickly to fill the void left by Gov. Richardson's decision, I look forward to his future service to our country and in my administration."

The withdrawal was the first disruption of Obama's Cabinet process and the second investigation that has touched Obama's transition to the presidency. The president-elect has, however, remained above the fray in both the case of arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the New Mexico case.

The head of a company that donated money to Richardson and won a state transportation contract said the firm "doesn't practice pay-for-play under any circumstance."

CDR Financial Products CEO David Rubin said in a statement Sunday night that Richardson is "an exceptionally able and dedicated public official" who deserved an opportunity in the Obama administration.

Richardson said he's confident the investigation will clear him.

CDR Timeline Called 'Suspicious'

Mike Gallagher, a reporter for The Albuquerque Journal, first started writing about the investigation into CDR last August. And the FBI investigation dates back to 2003, when state leaders approved more than $1 billion in infrastructure projects. here is a timeline of events, according to Gallagher and The Associated Press:

• Early 2003: Richardson wins legislative approval of a $1.6 billion highway and transportation construction program.
• October 2003: CDR Financial Products Inc. CEO David Rubin contributes $25,000 to Richardson political committee, Moving America Forward.
• 2004: Bonds are issued for the transportation program. CDR, which is based in Beverly Hills, Calif., becomes part of a team of investment and financial advisers selected by the New Mexico Finance Authority to put together the financing. CDR earns at least $951,000 in fees in 2004 for its services to the authority.
• June 2004: Under its former name, Chambers, Dunhill, Rubin and Co., CDR donates $75,000 to a political committee that Richardson established, Si Se Puede! Boston 2004 Inc. The donation comes a couple of months after the transportation financing arrangement won state approval.
• 2005: Rubin gives $10,000 to Richardson's re-election campaign.
• Aug. 29, 2008: The New Mexico Finance Authority issues a statement saying it is "cooperating fully" with federal authorities in their investigation of CDR in connection with the 2004 issuance of bonds.
• Nov. 14, 2008: Richardson meets in Chicago with President-elect Barack Obama, who interviews him about being secretary of state. New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton also is being considered for the position.
• Dec. 3, 2008: Obama announces his selection of Richardson as commerce secretary.
• Dec. 16, 2008: A person familiar with the proceedings tells The Associated Press that a federal grand jury is investigating how CDR won its contract.
• Jan. 4, 2009: Richardson withdraws his name from consideration for commerce secretary.

Gallagher said he can't find the formal agreement between the state of New Mexico and CDR that laid out the work to be done.

"It was not advertised. The work they did was not advertised. It doesn't quite add up to following the state procurement code," said Gallagher.

Gallagher said that's highly unusual.

The second time, CDR was hired by the New Mexico Finance Authority to manage more money.

"There was never any bid on that work," said Gallagher. "Now, they did do the work, but it never went out to bid. It was a sole-source, no-bid contract and those are pretty much frowned upon. At the same time, they're making these political contributions."

He said it could still just be awkward timing.

"You know, it's suspicious, but suspicious is not a crime at this point," said Gallagher.

He said the lack of proof makes Richardson's departure all the more surprising.

"I was very surprised at the Governor's announcement today," said Gallagher.

Gallagher said throughout his investigation, he has not found any wrongdoing by the governor; it's the Finance Authority board that is under the microscope.

"As far as I know, there have been no target letters that have been sent out to anyone in this investigation," Gallagher said. "As far as I am aware, no charges have been filed against anyone."