The Bill Richardson Watch, 3/5/2007

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from THE NEW MEXICAN: http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/57966.html

March 5, 2007

If it weren't clear before that Bill Richardson is breaking out of the second tier of Democratic presidential candidates, it's becoming accepted political wisdom.

Meanwhile, Richardson stays on the campaign trail.

Here's a post about his visit to South Carolina, where he held a fundraiser in Buckhead at the home of Laura and Rutherford Sydel (she's Ted Turner's daughter, according to the poster.) "Juliana," the blogger, said she attende to thank Richardson for his attention to Lesbian, Bi-, Gay, Transgender and Queer issues. She also gave him her, "I'm the Decider" pin.
http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/2007/03/sunday_afternoon_with_gov_bill.html


Richardson's running behind both Rudy Giulani and John McCain in a Scott Rasmussen poll.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Political%20Tracking/Presidential%20Match-Ups/March%202007/Richardsonvs.McCainGiuliani20070302.htm

PRESIDENT - NATIONAL Rudy Giuliani (R) 52% Bill Richardson (D) 35%

John McCain (R) 45% Bill Richardson (D) 36%


That's a slight drop in the race against McCain, but 40 percent of voters don't know who Richardson is, Rasmussen says.


Finally, in Iowa, Richardson tells the Associated Press that the nomination fight will be relatively short. He thinks by January 2008, Democrats will have a nominee.
http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/57948.html


Here's comments on his trip to Drake University: http://media.www.timesdelphic.com/media/storage/paper1086/news/2007/03/05/Opinion/Richardson.Proves.A.Refreshing.Option.For.Democrats.In.2008-2756430.shtml

"New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson strolled onto Drake University's blizzard-swept campus in true Southwestern style on Friday, donning cowboy boots, corduroy pants and, yes, a denim dress shirt. Despite the harsh weather conditions canceling classes and closing most of campus, Cool Beans remained open, where over 80 Drake students gathered to see the presidential candidate that was making his first trip to Iowa after formally announcing his candidacy.

He arrived at the perfect time. After enduring months of endless commentary by national media pundits telling us who the Democratic frontrunners are, and after having to get tickets to go see the "rock star" candidates at packed mega-rallies, it was a breath of fresh air to sit in a normal-sized room and actually get to interact with the candidate. Students were able to ask questions, and Richardson was able to ask students some back. And he didn't jet in and out for one or two huge events like some of the other candidates. Richardson even got his pants pretty wet when on the way to a later Des Moines event when his car got stuck in the snow and he had to get out and push.


He got big props for being relaxed, informal and real.

[LynneSin]

1. He's the reason I'm not on the Obama bandwagon yet

It's down to Obama or Richardson where I'm tossing my support.

But I'll say this much - my dream ticket would be Richardson/Obama or Obama/Richardson. I think that would be a wonderful future

[Tellurian]

2. Yes, I believe Richardson is definitely a contender..

His credentials are very strong and his experience is well represented in his resume.

I've never been to New Mexico but have always thought of it as one of Nature's wonders.

[Burma Jones]

3. I'm a Richardson supporter

He's got experience internationally AND as a Red State Governor AND as a Cabinet Secretary AND he cut taxes while running a budget surplus....

And I like that he dresses like me.......

[SteveM]

4. Reasonable on gun rights; unreasonable on drug war.

Google up votesmart and check out his stance on illegal drugs; among other things he favors the death penalty for so-called "kingpins" who smuggle illegal drugs over the border. This is similar to Newt Gingrich's call for the death penalty in drug smuggling cases. His supporters should talk to him about this stance before things get to far down the line. Advice other candidates' supporters should follow with regards 2A.

[NDP]

5. I like Bill Richardson, but I'm hoping that some of the candidates are out by at least the second

debate, if not the first one that's next month. I like Dodd as well. Biden should go home, though. The less candidates for the debates, the better. I can't stand these packed debates where the candidates only get 30 seconds at the most for an answer, and don't even all get asked the same questions.

Bill Richardson would make a great Secretary of State for a Democratic President, but I don't think he'll win anything other than New Mexico. He counts on doing well in California and Nevada. We'll see.

I still think Edwards will be the nominee, and the "grassroots" will try to force him to choose Obama as a running mate. Maybe that ticket could win. I don't know. If it did, Edwards should choose Richardson as Secretary of State. That would be a very diverse administration.

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6. same kind of talk that preceded the Kerry bid

he's in this to win the presidency. that's why I support him.