New Mexico governor (Richardson) takes first step in 2008 presidential run

[jefferson_dem]

New Mexico governor takes first step in 2008 presidential run

WASHINGTON (AP) — Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico said Sunday he is taking the first step toward an expected White House run in 2008, offering extensive experience in Washington and the world stage as he seeks to become the first Hispanic president.

"I am taking this step because we have to repair the damage that's been done to our country over the last six years," said Richardson, a former Democratic congressman, U.N. ambassador and Energy Department secretary.

"Our reputation in the world is diminished, our economy has languished, and civility and common decency in government has perished," he said in a statement.

He said he had set up an exploratory committee that will allow him to begin raising money and assembling his campaign organization.

"The governor is in it to run for president," spokesman Pahl Shipley said. The formal announcement will come in March after the end of New Mexico's legislative session, he said.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-01-21-richardson-white-house_x.htm?csp=34

[HereSince1628]

1. Anyone notice there is a surge in announced candidates?

Are we trying to vet the field down to 2 early?

[ohio2007]

7. They are pre empting the state of the union speech

They know whats going to be said and are getting on record with talking points. jmo.

[Catch22Dem]

2. I've always liked Richardson, and oddly enough...

I have a repuke friend at work who says, "there's something about that New Mexico governor I like. He's who you guys should run."

[Hugin]

3. I keep hearing those comments as well...

Good luck Gov. Richardson. :thumbsup:

[havocmom]

4. Republicans may like him for ordering the voting machines wiped clean

before the 04 recount was done.

[EFerrari]

17. Exactly. He's dirty. n/t

[duhneece]

22. Not dirty.

The way it works in a Democratic state like NM,Governor Richardson could not override his Secretary of State, Democrat Rebecca Vigil-Giron who 'bought' into the electronic voting machines manufacturers (including software) assurances because her Bureau of Elections Director, Denise Lamb who became President of the Nat'l Assn of State Election Burough Directors (NASED) bought the lies, as did many democrats in my conservative county in NM. Richardson could not dismiss them or there would have been hell to pay (what? dismissing the advice of two WOMEN who are better informed and it is THEIR job to know about these things...)

[suziedemocrat]

20. I like him too - he has a perfect resume for international diplomacy.

But, I'd like to know where he stands on the issues. I like Obama too, but I think he needs more experience. Clinton should stay in the senate, imo.

[skipos]

5. I like most of what I know about him (which admittedly isn't a ton)

At least he is a candidate who will undoubtable win his purple home state, and at least he isn't a senator. Kerry's 252 electoral votes plus New Mexico (5) means 13 more to win. Just winning Virginia (13) would be enough.

[ohio2007]

9. Does he have any comments on Mexican border state issues?

I would like to hear if he is a 'fence sitter' on this issue ( pun intended )

[suziedemocrat]

21. I found this....

http://www.newwest.net/index.php/topic/article/does_bill_richardson_have_the_chops_to_run/C37/L37/

That platform was starkly illustrated couple of years ago when Richardson took charge of the situation on the Mexico-New Mexico border, calling a state of emergency in four New Mexico counties. Wrote the Wall Street Journal at the time: The politics of immigration are changing. On Friday Bill Richardson, the nation’s only Hispanic governor, declared a “state of emergency” in four New Mexico border counties due to “a chaotic situation involving illegal alien smuggling and illegal drug shipments.” His office has pledged $1.5 million for stepped-up law enforcement and also asked Chris Simcox, the president of the volunteer border patrol group Minutemen, for a meeting. Mr. Richardson, a man who wears his ambition for national office on his sleeve, has apparently decided he has to reposition himself on border issues.

[pstans]

6. I want to learn more

I would put Richardson in the middle of the pack right now. I really hope he campaigns in Iowa because I want to learn more about him. As you can tell, Richardson has a great resume. With his background, he is in a great position to speak thoughtfully on foreign policy, immigration, and renewable energy.

[ohio2007]

10. The primary $ystem is a joke. Tho$e with connection$

can beat out the true,honest contenders and call them pretenders when the can't afford to run the marathon.
ie, those that can play the primary game are forcing out the best qualified for the oval office.
just my $.02

[janx]

8. The front page of the Albuquerque Journal this morning:

[ohio2007]

11. Looks like they have a real cock kisser on the front page

See ? ! LOL
I'm getting to giddy, gotta go

[janx]

12. Cock fighting was banned here. Some morons are trying to

get it back.

:shrug:

I love living in New Mexico. :rofl:

[pookieblue]

13. I read up on him

he's got a good back ground. knows about foreign policy. more so than Bush ever did...or does.

and I like this quote <<"The next president of the United States must get our troops out of Iraq without delay," Richardson said. "I know the Middle East well and it's clear that our presence in Iraq isn't helping any longer.">>

I know that he doesn't have the national funds... but did Howard Dean when he started? I don't remember.

any suggestions about that?

[Taoschick]

15. You sure

You want Richardson to end up like Howard Dean? ;)

Richardson isn't doing this to get the nomination. It's kind of a "hey now, look at me" shout out to the front runners. He's looking for a big job in the 2008 administration.

[janx]

14. Links--local--for more info.

http://www.abqjournal.com/abqnews/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2193&Itemid=28

[tchunter]

16. i'd really like to see him get the nomination

or failing that a cabinet position, he could make a good secretary of state with his foreign policy experience

[hollowdweller]

18. He's my favorite right now because

Hillary and Obama will bomb in any rural state where gun control is a big factor. Richardson doesn't have that negative.

He used to be Secretary of Energy. Energy independance should be a big part of our national security policy.

He is well known to various world leaders thru his diplomacy and UN Job. Familiarity plays a big role in diplomacy.

He's got experience as a Governor which means he probably has at least a BIT more idea on how Washingtons policies are playing out at the state level and also experience at the national governmental level.

I don't totally support all of his views 100% but if you look at his actual qualifications they are more than Hillary or Obama put together, and almost seem tailor made for what we are gonna need to follow Bush up with.

[pookieblue]

19. my thoughts exactly.

I am just worried about the campaign funds... since the others...especially Hillary...have more to spend then him.

I'm willing to do what I can...it's not much...but it's something.