“I’ve done what other candidates have only talked about doing.”

[bigtree]

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson pays local visit while on the campaign trail

By KEN BLACK



Positioning himself as a lower tax, pro-choice Democrat, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson campaigned in Marshalltown Saturday in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Richardson noted that while he does not agree with all of President George W. Bush’s tax cuts, and would repeal those for the wealthiest of Americans, he also believes incentives could be put into the tax code that would provide incentives for the American economy and work to retain and create jobs.

Richardson spent approximately one hour with the group, the longest of any presidential candidate, Republican or Democrat, that has been through Marshalltown for one single event thus far. He said that would be the norm.

He also encouraged the crowd to ignored the hype, especially surrounding some candidates, and look at each person based on the merits.

“My hope is you are not listening to the pundits in Washington that say the race is over – that it’s between two candidates,” Richardson said. “There are a whole bunch of other candidates out there.”

And just in case there was any doubt about which he thought was the best, Richardson added, “I’ve done what other candidates have only talked about doing.”

http://www.timesrepublican.com/News/articles.asp?articleID=7355

[Forkboy]

1. He's a true darkhorse in the race

He's positioning himself as the calm voice of reason over the hype from the other candidates,both from themselves and the media.That may actually play well in a lot of areas.

Either way I hope he's able to stay in for awhile.

[asjr]

2. I agree. So far Richardson has been

able to slip in under the media radar. Once the media tires of Obama, Hillary, Edwards, McCain, etc. they may just discover Richardson. The media are the most untrustworthy corporations in this country. They can make or break one and they revel in it.

[bigtree]

3. I think they'll like the different way he presents issues

Also I can't wait till folks get a load of how big and aggressive this guy is. He looks sleepy sometimes, but he's really a bear.

[paulk]

4. interesting...

I guess he answers my question from a few days ago about the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy. The "lower tax Democrat" is going to play well out here in the west, but I wonder how well it will go over with the eastern liberal establishment?

The “I’ve done what other candidates have only talked about doing.” is a great line. It's not a good thing that the race has started so early - there really are some qualified people out there running besides the big three being shoved down out throats.

[bigtree]

5. I thought of you when he said that

It's early, paulk, and he admits that he doesn't have his rap down. That said, I hope he takes more time to gather his thoughts on these issues and find more opportunities to present them in a comprehensive form. Stay tuned.

[bigtree]

6. also, remember the republican analysis a day or so ago

which concluded that he cut taxes to spend the money. They outlined his priorities like it was some evil. I was impressed:

"Such spending increases include, according to Americans for Tax Reform, a 7.4 percent increase in teachers' salaries, a 9.1 percent increase in other education spending, and a whopping 18.4 percent increase in health care assistance. Projects such as a $400 million commuter rail project . . ."

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/013/333khsla.asp?pg=2