Bill Richardson, the former Democratic governor of New Mexico and Energy Secretary during the Clinton Administration, is the focus of a federal grand jury investigation into violations of campaign finance laws, according to the New York Times.

Richardson has long been a prominent fixture in the Democratic Party. He was a Democratic congressman for 14 years, Energy Secretary in the Clinton Administration, Democratic governor of New Mexico, chairman of the 2004 Democratic National Convention, former chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, and presidential candidate in 2008.

More recently, Richardson was nominated for Commerce Secretary by President Obama, but the nomination was withdrawn when it became public knowledge that he was under federal investigation for business dealings in New Mexico. So this is at least the second federal investigation focusing on Richardson.

What’s this latest one about?

Defense lawyers and others briefed on the investigation said one of the accusations is that Mr. Richardson raised $250,000 from supporters to quiet a woman who had threatened to file a sexual harassment suit against him.

Sound familiar? It should. Former Democratic Senator, Vice Presidential nominee, and 2008 candidate John Edwards has been indicted on six felony counts relating to his affair with campaign aide Rielle Hunter. He faces 30 years in prison, plus eternity in hell for cheating on his terminal cancer-stricken wife.

But back to Richardson:

 A one-time adviser to the governor, who, like the others, insisted on anonymity to discuss the politically delicate case, said a government employee complained privately in 2007 that she had felt pressured into having a sexual relationship with Mr. Richardson.

The former adviser said that Mr. Richardson’s lawyers entered into a confidential settlement with the woman for $250,000.

A person familiar with but not connected to the investigation said the money was believed to have been wired to the woman’s lawyer from a bank in Mexico.

Several individuals connected to Richardson have testified before the grand jury in exchange for immunity from prosecution.