USNews.com: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Bill Richardson

From USNews.com's Washington Insider:

10 Things You Didn't Know About Bill Richardson

By Danielle Burton
Posted 1/29/07
Compiled by the U.S. News library staff

1.William Blaine Richardson was born on Nov. 15, 1947, in Pasadena, Calif. He grew up in Mexico City before moving to New England to attend boarding school (Middlesex, outside Boston), where he was a star baseball pitcher. His father, Will, was a banker, and his mother, Maria Luisa Zubiran, a secretary and homemaker.

2. He received a bachelor's degree from Tufts University in 1970 and a master's from its graduate school of international relations, the Fletcher School, in 1971.

3. Richardson was elected to the House of Representatives (representing the Third Congressional District in northern New Mexico) in 1982. He served in the House until 1997.

4. He was the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 1997 to 1998. The Albuquerque Journal reported that on his first day as ambassador, he introduced himself to the translators who work during the U.N. proceedings. For one, it was "the first time in her 27-year career that an ambassador had ever spoken to her except to complain."

5. He was the secretary of energy under President Bill Clinton from 1998 to 2001. The president noted during the nomination process: "If there's one word that comes to mind when I think of Bill Richardson, it really is energy."

6. Richardson was elected as governor of New Mexico in 2002. During the campaign, he reportedly shook 13,392 hands in an eight-hour period, setting a world record (at one point held by Theodore Roosevelt). He was re-elected in 2006.

7. He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize four times (1995, 1997, 2000, and 2001) for his diplomatic work and his concern for human-rights abuses. He has also helped to negotiate the release of hostages in a number of countries, including Iraq and North Korea.

8. During his career, Richardson has taught at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, the United World College in Montezuma, N.M., the University of New Mexico, and New Mexico State University.

9. His likes are said to include baseball, boxing, the Rocky movies, cigars, reading, and Chinese food. He was selected as the most valuable player in the annual congressional baseball game three times.

10. He has been married to Barbara Flavin (his high school sweetheart) since 1972.

Governor Richardson to speak at DNC Winter Meeting

From the CNN Political Ticker:

Governor Bill Richardson to speak at DNC Winter Meeting in Washington, DC, on Saturday, February 3.

...More to follow

...And be sure to check C-SPAN!!!

Richardson Eyes the White House

The Albuquerque Journal is running a five-part, in-depth series on Governor Richardson, with the installments appearing each Sunday for five consecutive weeks.

The first part ran last Sunday and can be found here:
http://www.abqjournal.com/richardson/531607nm01-21-07.htm?lrail

The second part, which ran this Sunday, can be found here:
http://www.abqjournal.com/richardson/533643nm01-28-07.htm

Richardson takes campaign to small-town Nevada

From the Albuquerque Tribune:

The underdog presidential candidate from New Mexico traveled to Nevada on Saturday, not stopping to work the Las Vegas strip, the Capitol or the fancy neighborhoods around Lake Tahoe.
Instead, Gov. Bill Richardson was in Minden, a small but growing community that's a blip on a state map...


Richardson: "I'd like to think that my story is the story of every American, of getting a chance to prove yourself no matter what your ethnic, religious or economic background, and making the most of every God-given opportunity that we have."


Read the article:
http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/jan/28/richardson-takes-campaign-small-town-nevada/

Q & A with Bill Richardson

From the Las Vegas Sun:


Q+A: Bill Richardson

Candidate for '08 stays true to Western roots

By Michael J. Mishak
Las Vegas Sun

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson swung through Nevada over the weekend for the first time since declaring his intentions to run for president.
One of eight Democrats in a diverse field, he was the first to hire staff in the state and, as an underdog, he wants to capitalize on a natural edge he may have because he is the sole Westerner in the race.
In a 30-minute interview with the Sun, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations showed himself to be one part diplomat, one part cowboy - and maybe one part colorful linguist, though that part was mostly off the record.
"The environment, nuclear waste, alternative energy, property rights and water. I'm pro-gun. I understand Western values. Rugged individualism is important. The West, for example, is not waiting on Washington to act on clean energy. In New Mexico 10 percent of our electricity has to be renewable, and we've got plans to double that."

Sun: Some say the Nevada caucus is your only chance to swing into the top tier of presidential candidates, and if you lose here you're out of the race. What do you say?

Richardson: I know I'm an underdog, but I've only been in the race for five days. I agree that I have to have a strong showing here. Do I have to win? I'm not sure. Yes, I'm concentrating on Nevada right now, but I'm not a regional candidate. I'm using the West as my base because I'm a Westerner. I believe the American people are ready for candidates with solutions. They're ready for candidates who will inspire them. They have shown that they're ready to accept a woman for president, an African American for president - and hopefully a Hispanic for president.

Sun: For someone who's spent the better part of his career in Washington, you've played the Western card pretty hard.

Richardson: I've always been connected to the West. I was in Congress for 15 years and I came home to New Mexico every weekend. I served my country. Last time I checked, being a congressman, you have to be in Washington. I have a horse. I'm a hunter. What else can I say?

Sun: What's your favorite table game?

Richardson: As secretary of Energy I used to go to Las Vegas to deal with the Nevada Test Site, but I'm not a gambler. I go to Vegas for major championship fights, restaurants and concerts. George Strait, Rod Stewart, the Eagles. The only gambling I did was to put a few bucks into some Ferris wheel thing.

Sun: Any chance of your old boss, President Clinton, stumping for you on the campaign trail?

Richardson: No. I think there's zero chance of that. We have a good relationship and I feel very loyal to him. But this is family now. I don't expect him to support me and that's fine.

Richardson makes first campaign stop

Governor Richardson campaigns in Nevada!

From the Reno Gazette-Journal:

Acknowledging the importance of Nevada's role in the 2008 presidential election, New Mexico governor and Democratic hopeful Bill Richardson made Reno his first official campaign stop Saturday since announcing he was creating an exploratory committee.
"I want to be the first candidate for president who has accepted invitations to Nevada's two debates; the first one (Feb. 21) in Carson City and the health care forum in Las Vegas" on March 24, Richardson told a crowd of about 50 supporters at Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Richardson, who announced his exploratory committee a week ago, is planning a grass-roots campaign and expects to visit all of Nevada's 17 counties.
"I'm not after big-name endorsements, just votes," Richardson said.

To read the article in its entirety: http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070128/NEWS/701280373

From the AP and Yahoo News:

Richardson accepts Nevada forum invites

RENO, Nev. - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson sought to separate himself from a crowded Democratic presidential field as he campaigned Saturday in Nevada.

Richardson became the first Democrat to accept an invitation to appear in two candidate forums in the state — Feb. 21 in Carson City and March 24 in Las Vegas. He also pledged to campaign in all 17 Nevada counties.

"I know I'm the underdog, but I'm going to outwork the other candidates," Richardson told more than 50 supporters who greeted him at Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
"Nevada is going to be a critically important state because of its early caucus. I'm going to campaign very hard, door to door. I'm after voters, not big endorsements," he added.

Richardson pointed out that he's the only Democratic candidate who hails from the West.
"I'm a fellow Westerner," he said. "The main issues today require someone with the background and heart, and I believe I have the best qualifications."
Richardson said he's proud of his heritage but is not running as a Hispanic in a state that is nearly 23 percent Hispanic.
"I think it's a growing population, and I'll fight for every vote," he said.

To read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070128/ap_on_el_pr/on_the2008_trail_1

Richardson visits Nevada

Governor Richardson is in Nevada this weekend.

From the Nevada Appeal:

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is wasting no time visiting this nearby Western state in his fledgling bid for the presidency.
On Saturday, the "blue" candidate is headed for a very "red" Douglas County.Richardson will join fellow Democrat retired Gen. Wesley Clark for keynote speaking duties at the Turn Nevada Blue dinner, a fundraiser for the Douglas County Democratic Central Committee.
Nevada's caucus, one year from Friday - Jan. 19, 2008 - is sandwiched between the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary, which have traditionally kicked off the presidential-nominating contests.
The new schedule is expected to bring intense attention to Nevada as candidates seek to pick up early wins.
"It's the first time the West has gotten any kind of attention. And Nevada happens to be a red state, and we're trying to turn it blue," said Bud Orange, co-chairman of the Douglas County Democratic Central Committee and second vice-chairman of the Nevada State Democratic Party. "And we got him in Douglas County."
Richardson is set to make his first campaign swing through Northern Nevada on Saturday, one week after joining the burgeoning field of Democratic presidential hopefuls.

For more info:
http://www.nevadaappeal.com/article/20070125/ELECTIONS/101250124

RICHARDSON ENTERS PRESIDENTIAL RACE

Richardson Enters 2008 Presidential Race

From ABC NEWS

Jan. 21, 2007 — The field for the Democratic presidential nomination got still more crowded this morning, with New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson announcing he will take the first step in a run for the White House by forming a presidential exploratory committee. Richardson followed the announcement with an exclusive interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC's "This Week."

"The next president must be able to make us energy independent, must be able to make schools better, create jobs, give the American people, every American, a fair shot," said Richardson. "To get that done, you need real-life experience. All I'm saying is, a lot of these folks can make speeches about all these things. I've actually done it."

Read the story:

http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/Politics/story?id=2810224&page=1

Watch the interview:

On ABC:

http://abcnews.go.com/ThisWeek/Politics/story?id=2810224&page=1

On YouTube:

Part One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xj3QFQ4IxxA

Part Two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKHXmAuSACk

ATTENTION COLORADANS!!!

I'd like to invite all Colorado supporters of Governor Richardson to join the Zanby meet-up group:

http://colorado-for-richardson.groups.zanby.com/

I look forward to meeting all of you and working together to elect Bill Richardson the next President of the United States!!!

Thanks!!!

Questions: Michelle@RichardsonBringsHope.com

From a Californian: "Why I'm supporting Bill Richardson for President"

Hi friends -

I read this terrific essay this morning and just had to share it with all of you:

Why I'm supporting Bill Richardson for President

They say all politics is local. No where did I find this more true than while living more than a dozen years in New Mexico. In a state of not quite two million people, with 1/3 of 'em in Albuquerque, the opportunities for meeting and perhaps even having a meaningful conversation with significant political figures were plentiful.

At the one nice and sort of politically connected hotel in town, I had the chance to meet and shake hands with both of our US senators (Bingaman and Domenici), two governors, various candidates, and I actually had a brief conversation with then congressman (not my district unfortunately) Bill Richardson on one of his fundraising trips. He even said hey to my young daughter, a cool moment lost on her, but not on me. Those were years when I felt that the common folk - like me - might actually have the opportunity to have an influence on the political life of the nation.

I moved to California a few years ago, and lost that personal touch with national politics. Tucked away in a distant corner of a monstrously huge state, far from the seats of power and money, we are neglected by anyone of national interest or importance. No one wants or needs to come by here, including our very own US senators and our cartoon governor. It's easy to become cynical about the state of national politics. And the local politics of fast food chain regulation, flouride paranoia, and agricultural zoning, though essential for creating and maintaining the loopy and free-form character of our neighborhood, seem petty when people are dying by the thousands in a war of choice led by liars and thieves.

So I hereby announce my support for Bill Richardson, governor of New Mexico, as the next president of the United States. Why? Because I shook his hand once. Because he came to my little town and took a few moments to talk to me once, and ask me what I did for a living, and what I thought was the most important issue he should think about. And because he asked my daughter's name and flashed a smile and a hello at her.

Richardson surpasses Obama on fundraising site ActBlue

Since Governor Richardson announced his candidacy on ABC this morning, the ActBlue fundraising site has been inundated with enthusiastic supporters inspired to pony up the $$$ to help bring hope and promise back to America through a Richardson presidency.

In just over 24 hours, upwards of $40,000 was donated to the Richardson Exploratory Committee -- surpassing the donation sum for Barack Obama!

The Richardson for President movement is on fire -- it's here, it's real, it's now -- and it's worth your commitment, your dedication, your contribution, your effort, your energy, your passion, and your belief.

Please visit ActBlue to donate to the Richardson for President Exploratory Committee:
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/richardson

RICHARDSON TO ANNOUNCE WHITE HOUSE RUN

Gov. Bill Richardson plans to take first step toward White House run

WASHINGTON (AP) -- New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson intends to say Sunday that he is taking the first step toward the Democratic presidential nomination, several officials with knowledge of his plans said Friday. The former congressman, U.N. ambassador and Energy Department secretary is hoping his extensive resume will fuel an insurgent campaign to become the first Hispanic U.S. president. He plans to announce Sunday that he will soon file the papers to create a presidential exploratory committee, the officials said. Richardson's office did not immediately return a call for comment.
The governor is scheduled to appear Sunday on ABC television's "This Week."
Richardson brings a wealth of experience in international affairs that has extended even into his governorship of a small but politically important swing state. He's hosted talks on North Korea's nuclear program in New Mexico and most recently traveled to Sudan this month and met with the country's president to press him for an end to the bloodshed in Darfur.

SPECIAL RICHARDSON PROJECT

I'm currently accepting cards, letters, photos, etc., for a special book that I'm sending to Governor Bill Richardson. It's going be a collective message of encouragement and inspiration, from his supporters, in hopes and great anticipation of his candidacy for President of the United States.

Please participate!!! The deadline is January 23 -- so please send your items to me ASAP!!!

Visit my website for more info: http://hometown.aol.com/mlindsey5/billrichardson.html

Thanks so much!!!

Inspirational Leadership

From today's Washington Post:

"An Obama campaign would bank on an idea that voters are looking for inspirational and motivational leadership, that rises above the traditional political calculations," said Democratic pollster Geoffrey Garin, who is neutral in the race. "The Clinton campaign is hoping that voters put a premium on experience and a long record of fighting the good fight and making a difference."


...And what is so awesome and extraordinary is that Richardson has both - inspirational, motivational leadership...and the proven record of difference-making experience.

ABQ Tribune: Governor, it's time for a big announcement

From the Albuquerque Tribune:

Editorial: Governor, it's time for a big announcement

Governor Bill Richardson owes it to himself to run for the Oval Office.
Everyone expects him to run, so what's he waiting for? Political experts - as detailed by Tribune political reporter Kate Nash on Tuesday in the article "Well, Bill?" - suggest it's all about timing and getting the greatest bump in national exposure out of the moment.
Whatever. It certainly isn't about suspense.
Richardson has been running for president most of his political life, as Nash's two-part series - "Richardson's quest," Jan. 2 and 3 - amply illustrated.
He is eminently qualified as a former New Mexico congressman, a former ambassador to the United Nations, a former secretary of the Department of Energy and an international diplomatic globetrotter who has been useful in negotiating the releases of various American hostages and in keeping communications with North Korea open, among other missions.
Indeed, a recent poll suggests that Richardson's globetrotting - he just returned from Sudan, where he was able to broker a cease-fire - and his numerous forays into key primary election states are paying dividends. These have dramatically improved his national name recognition, political respect and admiration.
In addition, Richardson, who takes to people like a duck to water, may be one of the country's smoothest politicians. People like Richardson's relaxed, humorous style, ability to articulate the issues simply and, above all, his moderate politics.
He talks a lot about compromise and bipartisanship and will be able to crow about his gubernatorial record of cutting taxes, supporting education, stimulating growth, protecting the public estate and, perhaps, health care reform.
Richardson's views on many issues appear to track strongly with the views held by the majority of Americans. His Hispanic heritage is another strong asset, as both political parties vie for this valuable and emerging constituency.
So all that's needed now is his official announcement, which may or may not come next week.
Whenever it comes, New Mexicans can be satisfied that it is a worthy endeavor and that by electing him their governor, they may have helped propel him into the White House and global leadership.
Richardson's candidacy still is considered a long shot by most political analysts. But with a national electorate that obviously embraced changes last November, Richardson may prove to be exactly what this country is looking for in its next president and commander-in-chief.
No question that Richardson stands tall compared to President Bush, who seems completely out of touch, lost and determined to buck the will of the American people and the world.
To be sure, getting the Democratic nomination against the likes of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton or Illinois Sen. Barrack Obama will be an arduous uphill climb for Richardson.
But far stranger things have happened in the unpredictable realm that is American politics. It is worth nothing that few Americans in 1859 would have given Abraham Lincoln much chance of ever being elected president, let alone waltzing into the White House two years later to become one of the greatest in American history.
Richardson may or may not be a Lincoln, but he sports many of the same populist qualities and faces the same kinds of dominant competition that Lincoln beat.
Considering the country's dismal, divided and disillusioned state, Richardson's presidential candidacy could be downright refreshing and a lot of fun.

West Is Going in Democrats' Direction

From the Washington Post:

Choice of Denver as Convention Site Reflects Political Shift in Mountain States

"Candidates are paying attention. Indeed, a win-the-West strategy is a key element in the thinking of a likely Democratic presidential contender in 2008, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson."

To read the article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/12/AR2007011201927.html?referrer=email

Governor Richardson's remarks on Denver '08

Governor Bill Richardson:

“This isn’t just a win for Denver and Colorado, but for the whole mountain west. From Montana to New Mexico, the west is the most fertile ground for Democrats. The Denver convention in 2008 will only further these efforts.”

Democrats Pick Denver For 2008 Convention

Democrats Pick Denver For 2008 Convention

By Chris Cillizza
washingtonpost.com
Staff Writer
Friday, January 12, 2007; Page A02

The Democratic National Committee chose Denver yesterday as the host city for its 2008 nominating convention in hopes that the electoral gains made in the Rocky Mountain West in recent years will help the party win the White House.
Denver, which beat out perennial host New York City, has not had a national convention since 1908. Republicans will hold their convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul -- the first time the Twin Cities have hosted a party convention since the late 19th century.
The Democratic convention is set for Aug. 25-28; Republicans gather Sept. 1-4.
DNC Chairman Howard Dean cast the choice as an extension of his "50-State Strategy" -- a plan designed to rebuild the party from the ground up across the country.
"It's important in politics to put your money where your mouth is," Dean said. "If we are going to have a national party, we are going to get Westerners to vote Democratic again on a regular basis."
In the past two elections, Democrats have made considerable strides in Colorado, winning open-seat races for the House, the Senate and governor. The election of Gov. Bill Ritter in November played a crucial role in swaying the decision by the DNC, according to longtime Colorado consultant Mike Stratton.
"Had he not won, this thing would not have happened," Stratton said.
Since finishing second to Los Angeles in their bid to host the 2000 Democratic convention, Denver officials have focused on making infrastructure improvements. An expanded convention center opened in 2004, and there are now approximately 7,000 hotel rooms in downtown Denver alone.
"This is one of those great opportunities that come along every once in a while," said Denver Mayor John W. Hickenlooper (D), who played a central role in wooing Democrats westward.
The decision comes less than a month after the DNC postponed its final announcement to give Denver an opportunity to settle a labor dispute involving the use of nonunion workers at the Pepsi Center, where the convention will be held.
The Pepsi Center, a nonunion facility, has agreed to use union employees during the convention, which is expected to quell some concerns among local labor leaders.


Note from Michelle:
I'd like to extend a special thank you and acknowledgement to Mr. Mike Stratton, whom I am honored to have met in Albuquerque back in November. Thank you, Mr. Stratton, for your commitment and effort!

Our Guv on Hardball !!!

Governor Richardson appeared on Hardball with Chris Matthews this afternoon and discussed Iraq and Darfur. As always, the Governor was phenomenally inspiring and impressive.

For those of you who missed it, you can view it on MSNBC's video site: http://tinyurl.com/t7e6s

GOVERNOR RICHARDSON BROKERS CEASE FIRE IN SUDAN

More to follow on this extraordinary story - but for starters, here is the transcript from Daily Kos and Gov Bill Richardsons Online Ops Team's diary :


This morning at 6:55 MST, Governor Bill Richardson and members of the Save Darfur coalition delegation arrived in Albuquerque after their trip to Sudan. We held a press conference where Governor Richardson spoke about what he saw first-hand the human toll taken by the ongoing conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan as he toured a relocation camp and spoke with citizens forced from their homes and villages by war. The Governor visited the As Salaam IDP (internally displaced persons) Camp in El Fasher, home to more than 43,000 people, mostly women and children.

He also received a briefing from top United Nations officials in Sudan and met with the Commander of the African Union peacekeeping forces, Major General Luke Aprezi. General Aprezi expressed his frustration that the relatively small numbers of AU troops cannot provide adequate security for the 65 IDP camps as well as serving as observers and running patrols to protect civilian activities such as gathering firewood.
In addition, the Governor urged several field commanders from different rebel Sudanese forces to do their part to reduce violence against women and humanitarian workers and to undertake efforts to restore peace and stability to their region and throughout Sudan.

But the most successful part of trip came when he secured a commitment from Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Bashir to agree to a 60-day cease fire in the Darfur region to allow for a new political process under the Darfur Peace Agreement and the auspices of the African Union and the United Nations.

There's still a long road ahead for the people in the Darfur region but this cease fire is definitely a step in the right direction.

Accompanying Governor Richardson on the trip were 5 members of the Save Darfur Coalition delegation. They were:
David Rubenstien, Coordinator, Save Darfur Coalition
Michael Bergman, Dep. Chair of Mitigating Religious and Ethnic Conflict, Clinton Global Initiative
Ambassador (ret) Lawrence G. Rossin, Senior International Coordinator, Save Darfur Coalition
Kenneth H. Bacon, President of Refugees International
Amjad Atallah, President of Strategic Assessments

********************

Governor Richardson's remarks:

Thank you for being here so early.

I will try to summarize what we have been able to accomplish over the past several days, and then I’d like to ask each member of our delegation to introduce themselves and say a few words as well. Then we’d be happy to take your questions.

First, I would like to thank the members of the Save Darfur Coalition for the important work that they do. For joining my delegation and for paying for this trip.

Usually when I am asked to take on a mission like this it is to help get one or two or a few people out of a dangerous situation. In this case we are talking about millions of people in the Darfur region of Sudan who are victims of a brutal, seemingly endless conflict. They are facing the loss of family members, their homes, and their lives.

During our trip we saw with our own eyes just how desperate the situation is. We met twice with President Omar Al-Bashir and spoke with top officials of his government. We spent a day in Darfur hearing from representatives of the United Nations and African Union, as well as rebel commanders who are fighting this war. We visited one of the camps for those left homeless by the war, and met some of the courageous Sudanese people caught up in this human tragedy.

I believe we made important progress on this trip, and took some critical steps toward finding a solution that will provide a lasting peace for the people of Darfur, and all of Sudan.

Most importantly, we got a commitment from President Bashir and the leaders of the rebel factions for a 60-day cessation of hostilities. This is critical. Before more African Union and UN troops can provide effective protection for the people of Darfur, there must be a cease-fire. You can’t have peacekeepers if there is no peace to keep.

The cease-fire will give the African Union and the United Nations an opportunity to build a framework for the political process to address the remaining differences between those who signed the Darfur Peace Agreement, or D-P-A, and those who did not.

President Bashir reaffirmed his commitment, as he had agreed with the UN Secretary General, under the DPA, to allow the deployment of UN personnel and equipment into Darfur.

We reiterated that sexual violence must be condemned and prosecuted no matter which party or organization is responsible, and the government agreed to extend existing efforts to support Sudanese women against all gender-based violence.

We got an agreement from the government not to paint their military aircraft white, the same as the aircraft of the UN and other relief agencies, and we underscored the need to disarm all armed groups, in particular the government-supported janjaweed militia.

The President agreed to have government forces improve security conditions in all areas of Darfur and provide protection for humanitarian convoys and workers.

President Bashir also agreed to cut the red tape for humanitarian workers in Sudan, and he agreed to allow and facilitate the travel of journalists from around the world to report on the situation in Darfur.

And, importantly, President Bashir has opened a dialogue with the Save Darfur Coalition and committed to building that relationship, toward the goal of ending the violence in Darfur and achieving a lasting political solution to the crisis.

I believe we have opened the door for the peace process to take hold and move forward. It is now up to the leaders of the UN and AU to monitor and ensure implementation by the Sudanese government and rebels, and to use this opening to pursue the durable political solution that will end the tragedy afflicting the people of Darfur.

***************

Please visit: :: :: Gov Bill Richardsons Online Ops Team's diary :: :: on Daily Kos

Special thanks to the marvelous Joaquin Guerra for fielding questions today on the Kos Diary and for taking his time to chat with readers -- muchas gracias, Joaquin!

Democrats to take Nevada detour

Democrats to take Nevada detour

By Donald Lambro
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
December 25, 2006

The Democratic presidential primary season that traditionally comes roaring out of the Iowa corn fields into snowy New Hampshire will take a midcourse detour through Nevada to give the West an early role in picking their 2008 nominee.
But political tradition dies hard, and most of the attention so far has been on Iowa (Jan. 14) and New Hampshire (Jan. 22), though Nevada Democratic leaders say they are working to promote their Jan. 19 caucuses to the press and presidential hopefuls, some of whom have campaigned in the state in the hope of throwing a monkey wrench into the plans of front-runners.
Nevada Democratic Chairman Tom Collins says his state's caucuses have two big things going for it: "a diverse electorate that contains a large Latino minority population and an opportunity for the candidates to pitch their message in the neighboring Western states like Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Montana."
Nevada, one of the fastest growing states in the country, has another thing going for it, a strong labor union membership that is one of his Democrats' major constituencies, Mr. Collins said.
"We're a progressive state, but we're also a moderate state," he said, underscoring the state's deep political divisions, noting that "Bill Clinton won Nevada" in 1992 and 1996. President Bush carried the state in 2000 and 2004.
Notably, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, the party's front-runner, has not been out to Nevada yet, nor has Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, said Kirsten Searer, a spokesman for the Nevada Democratic Party.
But she noted that Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack came to the state when he announced his candidacy as has Sen. John Kerry.
Two other presidential hopefuls have made several trips out there this year. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, whose Hispanic heritage would help with the state's more than 20 percent Hispanic population, and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, the party's 2004 vice presidential nominee, who has been courting labor unions drawn to his message of economic populism.
In a show of strength for Mr. Richardson, 70 prominent Nevada Democrats, mostly Hispanics, on Thursday called on the former U.N. ambassador and energy secretary to formally announce his candidacy.
"Nevada will be the linchpin in the Democratic presidential nomination process in 2008 and many Nevadans believe Bill Richardson is the best choice to lead our party," said Reynaldo Martinez, chairman of the Draft Bill Richardson Committee.
Strategists for Mr. Edwards, who has built a strong ground campaign in Iowa since his second-place showing there in the 2004 presidential caucuses, say that a win there followed by a victory in Nevada would send him into New Hampshire three days later with considerable momentum.
The traditional Iowa-New Hampshire kickoff was broken up by the Democratic National Committee earlier this year in an attempt to open up the early delegate-selection process to other constituencies of the country, particularly the West, a region that Republicans have largely dominated in past presidential elections.
Although Nevada has only five electoral votes and one of the smaller nominating delegations, it now looms as the second presidential contest in a faster, front-loaded presidential selection process that will likely wrap up the nomination by the end of February or early March.
"It isn't well-known now, but by 2008 [Nevada] could be one of the pivotal events in the Democratic presidential nominating campaign," a Democratic official said.

Nevada Democrat forms group to draft Richardson for President

Note from Michelle:
I know these Nevada posts are hideously late in arriving on the blog, and I profusely apologize.

Nevada Democrat forms group to draft Richardson for president

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A former aide to incoming Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is forming a group to draft New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in the early caucus state of Nevada.
Reynaldo Martinez, of Incline Village near Lake Tahoe, said he would lead a committee of 70 people to draw Richardson into the process leading to the January 2008 Nevada caucus.
"We call on Gov. Richardson to run for president," said Martinez, who provided a list of supporters he said represented blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, "significant Democratic Party activists" and environmentalists. "He has always been good to Nevada."
Martinez said he had not spoken with Richardson, and Richardson was not aware of Martinez' effort until Thursday, said Amanda Cooper, manager of Richardson's successful campaign for re-election last November.
Richardson won't decide until early next year whether to run for president, Cooper said, adding that the Democratic governor welcomed grassroots support.
Richardson visited Nevada several times to stump for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dina Titus during Titus' failed bid for election in November.

Message from Michelle

Hi friends...

Sincerest apologies for not having posted here in the past few days. I have been ill and have not been online.

I am preparing a deluge of updates (including the extraordinary and exciting news from the Sudan!) -- so refill the coffee, or wine, or soda and check back in a little while!

Thanks for understanding!

All the best -

Michelle

Washington Post: Chris Cillizza's 2008 Line

From The Washington Post and Chris Cillizza's The Fix:

4. Bill Richardson: Richardson moves up a spot in the rankings thanks largely to Bayh's departure from the race. The New Mexico governor has been laying low of late, but his political aides have made clear that he absolutely continues to plan to run for the Democratic nomination in 2008. Richardson seems likely to paint himself as the only Western candidate -- a region of the country where Democrats have made considerable gains on the state and federal level over the past few elections. As we've said before, Richardson has the deepest and broadest resume of any candidate in the field and also a relentless energy that should translate well into the glaring national media spotlight. We still don't see how he makes the leap to challenge the big 3 candidates on the Democratic side, but he is as well-positioned as any candidate to move up if any of the big boys (and girl) stumble. (Previous ranking: 5)

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/

New Year's message from Michelle

Through the past few years, we, as Americans, have seen destruction and felt horror and grief. We have traveled through the darkness, but we have never lost sight of the light. For we are a hopeful, idealistic people – who, through the deepest, most devastating darkness, never give up on our hope, never lose our faith, and keep pressing always toward the hopeful flame of promise and a bright, new tomorrow.

America is a special place. For through it all – the darkness, the fear, the difficulties – hope survives. And together, we will build a new tomorrow – in which our hopes and dreams will once again flourish and take flight. It will take time, patience, and resilience. It will take heart, courage, and compassion. It will require our faith, our unity, and our unyielding service and benevolence. But it will be so, because we are Americans. We have done this before, and we will do it again. For as long as a child goes hungry, as long as one goes in need, as long as there are houses to build, businesses to open, roads to pave, and bridges to build, hearts to comfort, and hands to hold – we will be there – because we are Americans, and this is what we do. And because, through it all – through the horror and sadness, through so much that is beyond words and expression – hope survives.

Hope survives – and will breathe free and flourish once again, throughout our great land – under the wise, strong, visionary leadership of Bill Richardson.

Today begins the journey into a new tomorrow. Together, with our hands, our voices, and our hearts, may we rise up and support, defend, illuminate, and propagate the ideas, issues, elements, and concerns that are paramount in our hearts and our lives – at home, across our country, and around the world. May we work together with commitment, faith, and confidence to assist and support the candidacy of the leader we believe in – Bill Richardson.

This is the dawning of a new day --- a day where we can and will believe in the power of our dreams – and the right and responsibility we have to dream them – a right and responsibility given to us from beyond the stars and entrusted to us by all those who have gone before us.

We live in an age where greatness is required of us. So, we will do what is difficult – and we will achieve what is great – if we choose, always, to stand up and be counted. WE are the people. NOW is the time. Let us begin.

~*~ HAPPY NEW YEAR ~*~

Thank you for visiting this blog -- and thank you for all you do to support and promote the candidacy of Governor Bill Richardson for President of the United States.

*** RICHARDSON FOR AMERICA ~ I BELIEVE ***

ABQ Tribune: Richardson's drive, charm have taken him places

From the Albuquerque Tribune:

Quote: "many of whom expect Richardson to announce his presidential intentions this week"

Nice, lenghty article about the Governor, his background, entry into politics, and incredible accomplishments:

http://www.abqtrib.com/news/2007/jan/02/richardsons-drive-charm-has-taken-him-places/