Richardson Goes Green in New Ad

FROM CNN.COM:

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson is airing a new ad in Iowa about his proposals to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce U.S. dependence on imported oil.
“We’ve relied on foreign oil and paid too much for gas long enough,” Richardson says in the 30-second television spot, which resembles an ad from his 2006 gubernatorial re-election campaign.
The ad opens with Richardson standing outside speaking. His image then becomes part of his campaign’s Web site. A viewer gets the impression of navigating the site as Richardson’s image moves from one energy topic to another as he talks about that issue.
Richardson’s gubernatorial re-election campaign ran an ad on education policy last year that used a similar Web site structure.
In the ad that began airing Tuesday, Richardson says, “On clean energy, a 30-second TV ad isn’t enough time. But my Web site can show you why the Sierra Club called my plan ‘much more aggressive.”
The firm producing his presidential ads, Murphy Putnam Media of Alexandria, Va., also handled his gubernatorial ads.
Richardson unveiled his energy plan earlier this year. Among his proposals is an increase in fuel economy standards for vehicles to 50 miles a gallon by 2020, up from about 25 miles per gallon currently.

www.RichardsonForPresident.com

13% in Iowa!!!

A new Iowa poll by American Research Group has Hillary Clinton in the lead at 30 %.
John Edwards is at 21 % - followed by Barack Obama with 15 %.

Gov. Bill Richardson is in a close fourth place with 13 %.

Of special note: The results when likely caucus goers are broken down between Democrats, and those claiming no party affiliation, Gov. Richardson is in first place among those with no party affiliation, with Obama in second.

Richardson Rising!!! New Iowa poll numbers!!!

From MSNBC.com:

A new Research 2000 poll conducted for KCCI in Iowa shows Edwards still leading with 27%, followed by Clinton at 22% and Obama at 16%.
Also breaking double-digits, Bill Richardson at 11%.
In May, Research 2000 had Clinton in the lead with 28%, followed by Edwards at 26% and Obama at 22%, with Richardson at 7%. So only Edwards and Richardson saw their numbers go up (though Edwards' inch up was statistically insignificant). Of significance, both Clinton and Obama went down.

Barbara Richardson in South Carolina

Our very own wonderful and special Barbara Richardson - the next First Lady of the United States - gives a charming and lovely speech in Charleston ---- check it out! Go Barbara! :) And come visit us in Colorado!! I'd love to have the honor of introducing you! ;)

Vote for our Gov !!!

Friends -

Below are links to some important visibility polls that are currently underway. Please visit each of these sites and vote for Governor Richardson! This will only take a few moments of your time. We are currently leading by a very wide margin in the South Carolina poll!

Thanks so much for your continued support!


South Carolina post-debate poll:
http://www.thestate.com/presidential-politics/story/126860.html

AOL CNN/YouTube July 23rd debate poll (scroll down, center of page):
http://news.aol.com/dailypulse/_a/democrats-face-off-in-youtube-debate/20070723160909990001

Daily Kos CNN/YouTube July 23rd debate poll (scroll down, center of page):
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/7/23/213213/710

Nevada poll:
http://washoedemocratcaucus.blogspot.com/2007/07/poll-who-do-you-want-as-our-nominee.html

Daily Kos poll of Richardson favorability rating:
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/7/23/17631/5334

Reminder: CNN/YouTube Democratic Debate

Reminder: CNN/YouTube Democratic Presidential Debate

Charleston, South Carolina

5:00 pm Mountain Time -- Monday, July 23 -- Live on CNN

Team Richardson's in the house and going to rock South Carolina!!

...and Colorado. ;)

YouTube Debate -- Submit a question for Governor Richardson!

Hi Friends -

I apologize for not posting much of late...as many of you know, I'm the Colorado Grassroots Director for our campaign and that keeps me incredibly busy....I'm also working on a screenplay for an Academy Award winning actress, which is also intensely time consuming. So - I apologize for not posting this sooner, as I know this is time sensitive, but this has been an incredibly hectic week for me.


The CNN/YouTube Democratic Presidential Debate will be held in Charleston, South Carolina on Monday. If you have the equipment and capacity to record a video of yourself for the web, you can record and submit a question for Governor Richardson for the debate! YouTube has said that they have not received as many questions as they'd hoped for -- so if you would like to submit a video question, now is the time!

You can go to www.youtube.com/debates to submit your question! Sunday is the deadline for submitting questions!

Thank you for your continued support of Governor Richardson and our campaign to bring hope and promise back to America!

Together, we're going to change this country!

Thanks -
Michelle

Submit your questions for the YouTube/CNN debate on www.youtube.com/debates

Awesome Celebs who think that Richardson Rocks

Below is a list of some of the celebrities who have donated to Governor Richardson's campaign.
I extend to them my personal and immense gratitude. And as I'm certain that they all read this blog on a regular basis, I also ask them to please contact me regarding a few screenplays I'm writing -- yes, that means you, Michael, Val, Steven, Bette, Sherry, Jodie, and Mr. Newman. ;)

Seriously - I thank you all for your wisdom in donating to the candidate whose experience, leadership, and vision will get America back on track and lead us into a more prosperous, peaceful, and hopeful future!


FROM CNN.....

Donation to:

BILL RICHARDSON (D)
* Michael Douglas, actor: $3100
* Val Kilmer, actor: $2300
* Paul Newman, actor: $2300
* Edward James Olmos, actor: $2300
* Wendie Malick, “Just Shoot Me” actress: $500
* Steven Spielberg, director: $2300
* Kate Capshaw, actress, wife of Steven Spielberg: $2300
* Jodie Foster, actress: $1000
* Christie Brinkley, self-described as “Model/Mom/Environmental activist”: $500
* Bette Midler, actress/singer: $4600
* Sherry Lansing, former film executive: $2300
* William Friedkin, director: $2300
* James L. Brooks, producer/writer: $1000

Launch of Colorado Bloggers for Bill and Action/Outreach Team

Help Restore Hope and Promise to America -- Join the Colorado Bloggers for Bill and Action/Outreach Team

Friends -

I have a new volunteer opportunity to offer:

I'm assembling a Bloggers for Bill program - an Action/Internet Outreach Team.

By joining this important team, you would be agreeing to frequently post pro-Richardson messages on Colorado political blogs as well as national political blogs. You would also frequently write letters to your local newspapers (and national publications such as USA Today, Newsweek, Time, US News & World Report, etc.). Additionally, you would be encouraged to call in to radio stations to help spread the good news about Governor Richardson's candidacy. Your goal, with each of these efforts, would be to positively talk-up the Governor, his ideas, policies, experience, etc -- as well as why you support him and feel that he is the right - and best - leadership choice for our country.

We will work on assembling a draft for you to use in these communications (such as when you send in LTE's) -- but it will also be important for you to add your own personal intonations to the letters, as we want these communications to come from your heart and not all sound exactly the same to the newspapers when they read them....I don't want them to think that we're just generating mass, non-personal mailings. ;) One of the most awesome things about our campaign is the great heart and soul commitment, belief, dedication, and support of our volunteers: YOU.

This is an important and impactful way for you to volunteer your time to help Governor Richardson's candidacy.
If you would like to be added to our Action Team and Colorado Bloggers for Bill, please e-mail me (Michelle@RichardsonBringsHope.com) and I'll put you on the list!

Thank you so much for your continued support!

Together, we're going to change America!

-- Michelle
---------------------
Michelle Lindsey
Colorado Grassroots Director
Bill Richardson for President

Michelle@RichardsonBringsHope.com

www.RichardsonBringsHope.com

Richardson Brings Hope ~ And Hope is the American Dream

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

Join the Official Colorado for Richardson Group

http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/group/ColoradoForRichardson

A Special July 4th Message from Governor Bill Richardson

On Independence Day, I'm Grateful

By Governor Bill Richardson

Today as we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of our great nation we remember the sacrifice of those who fought for freedom in 1776, and those who have fought to preserve that freedom ever since. There are approximately 150,000 brave American men and women serving in Iraq, more than 24,000 in Afghanistan, and tens of thousands more serving around the world. Each of us owes all of them a tremendous debt of gratitude.
More than 3,987 American troops have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They died serving their country, and they are heroes. My wife Barbara and I send our thoughts and our prayers to the families and loved ones of those who have fallen, and we ask all of you to remember and honor them, and never forget what they have sacrificed on behalf of this nation.
This is a day not for partisan politics, but for grateful remembrance and joyous celebration. A day of optimism and hope. A day to remember that we live in the greatest nation on earth, where our best days are still ahead of us. A day to celebrate our freedom, but also to remember that freedom comes at a cost.
God bless you, and God Bless the United States of America.


http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/community/post_group/Headquarters/BjJ

Richardson Making Noise in New Hampshire

From CNN:



GREENVILLE, New Hampshire (CNN) — How do you make noise as a second-tier candidate for president in a crowded field? Bang a pot!
That’s what Democratic hopeful Bill Richardson did in New Hampshire — a state he currently has to himself among his Democratic opponents — at midnight Tuesday to ring in the July 4th holiday.
Richardson marched and hammed it up with Greenville residents in their annual Pots and Pans Parade.
The parade dates back to World War I, involving pots and wooden spoons and a lot of noise to mark the holiday at midnight. There was plenty of music free of cooking utensils too — and the New Mexico governor was spotted dancing to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA”.
Richardson is spending the Fourth of July marching in parades and visiting with voters around the early-voting state.

URGENT: Make a Difference -- Donate Tonight!!

Friends -

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR YOUR CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS TO BE COUNTED TOWARD THE SECOND QUARTER FUNDRAISING TOTALS. It's paramount that we contribute whatever amount we can spare before midnight tonight!!!

I realize that we can't all contribute large sums -- but it isn't about large sums -- this is about all of us contributing an amount, no matter how small. Just as every vote counts - every cent counts.

I have set up a special fundraising site exclusively for Colorado for Richardson. I'd like to request that any of you who plan to make donations, to PLEASE donate through this site on the Richardson for President site: http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/outreach/view/raise/Colorado4Richardson

This is our official Colorado for Richardson fundraising site -- and by all of us making our donations exclusively through this site, we can keep track of the total amount we've raised in Colorado and show the Governor the vast support he has in our state!

So please make your campaign donations through this site:
http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/outreach/view/raise/Colorado4Richardson

Thank you all so much for any amount that you can give at this time! Also - please forward this message to your friends and family and ask them to please consider a donation to Governor Richardson's campaign to change America!

We're making a difference!

Thanks -

Michelle

Help Bill Richardson End the Iraq War: NoTroopsLeftBehind.com

From Governor Bill Richardson:


I've been saying it for months. And just this morning, at the Take Back America conference, I made it crystal clear: my position on Iraq is totally different than every other candidate.



I want to start bringing ALL of our troops home right now -- every last one.



While other candidates push plans to get troops out sometime in Spring 2008, I am calling for all troops out in 6 months.



And, perhaps more importantly, while every other major candidate voted for or supported recent legislation with loopholes that allow Bush to leave an indeterminate number of troops indefinitely in Iraq, I want ALL of our troops out -- every last one.



That means no airbases, no embedded soldiers training Iraqi forces, no troops in the Green Zone. Zero troops. I would leave the customary small marine contingent at the embassy, but if that became unsafe, then I'd bring them home too.



I've had my campaign set up a website with the sole purpose of generating the grassroots support needed to get our troops home: www.notroopsleftbehind.com



And I hope you will join me.



Sign the petition calling on Congress to end the war NOW and bring ALL the troops home. www.notroopsleftbehind.com



Here's the deal: over 70% of Iraqis want us out of their country. Over 60% think its okay to kill Americans. At the rate we're losing American lives, over one thousand American troops will be killed this year alone. In a war where our troops are the #1 target, who are the poor souls we'd choose to leave behind?



Every indication is that Iraq is not getting safer -- it's getting more and more dangerous. Waiting until September to act will only lead to more lost American soldiers. We must act now.



That is why I am calling on Congress to de-authorize and end this war BEFORE they leave for their summer break.



The American people are with me -- we want this war over NOW and ALL the troops out.



Now we just have to pressure those in power to do what they've been elected to do.





www.notroopsleftbehind.com



I have had it with cautious leadership -- we need bold action. Congress can end this war now -- but they seem dead-set on waiting until the fall to do anything. I see no reason to give George Bush any more time to come up with absurd excuses and stalling tactics to drag out this war any longer.



Thank you for joining me to end this war now, and bring all of our troops home.



Sincerely,





Bill Richardson

Colorado Springs to host 2008 Colorado Democratic State Convention!

The 2008 Colorado Democratic State Convention will be held in Colorado Springs!

The Road to the White House will go through Colorado Springs!

The following is from the blog of Colorado Democratic State Party First Vice Chair Dan Slater:

Remember Weld County? Remember how they were so red for years that the election of Jim Riesberg to represent Greeley in 2004 was seen as a fluke by many? Then, do you remember how we held our 2006 State Assembly in Greeley? Maybe you didn't notice, but people came from out of the woodwork to help put on a great event in Greeley for us. Those volunteers didn't just go back home and sit in their easy chairs after the Island Grove Events Center was cleaned up. Instead, they spread out across the communities of Weld County and worked for victory in 2006.

Then, something amazing happened. Bill Ritter -- a Democrat -- won Weld County. Now, I'm not saying it was all due to that little soiree we held at Island Grove in May that did it. But I think most folks would agree that it helped.

Last night, the members of the State Party's Site Selection Committee made another historic decision: they are recommending that the road to the Democratic National Convention in Denver go through Colorado Springs. They are recommending that the road to the second Democratic United States Senator from Colorado go through Colorado Springs. To be fair, the decision was not easy. Broomfield Democrats put together an amazing bid; I was foaming at the mouth to be able to produce a state convention and assembly at the new Broomfield Events Center. But there were just too many advantages to going to El Paso County to ignore, and that's why the decision by the Committee was unanimous.

Here's some of the Party's press release this morning:

DENVER, Colorado

The Colorado Democratic Partys Site Selection Committee last evening unanimously voted to recommend that the 2008 State Democratic Convention and Assembly be held at the World Arena in Colorado Springs. The decision followed intensive work, including site visits, by leaders of both Colorado Springs and Broomfield to woo the Democrats to their respective communities. Pursuant to Party rules, the Partys Executive Committee will vote in July on whether to accept the recommendation.CDP First Vice Chair and Site Selection Committee Chair Dan Slater talked about the process. "The members of the Site Selection Committee have worked extremely hard over the past two months to ensure that every possible angle of these bids have been examined. While we were very impressed with the bid from Broomfield, in the end, the bid from El Paso County Democrats excelled in every area: technical, political, and in terms of community support. El Paso Countys Democratic Party has proven to be one of the most energetic in the state, and we are confident that they will be the ideal hosts for us in May of 2008."

State Party Chair Pat Waak praised the work of the Committee. "I am very pleased that we had such a hard-working group of people willing to work on this task. Im confident the Executive Committee will support their recommendation, and Im excited to nominate our next United States Senator in Colorado Springs." Waak said that the choice of historically-Republican El Paso County meshed well with the Partys "64-County Strategy". "Were competing in all parts of this state. Democrats have better ideas, are better organized, and have better candidates. To consistently win statewide, we have to be willing to take on Republicans everywhere, and were doing that. Colorado Springs is changing, as weve seen with the elections of Representative Michael Merrifield and Senator John Morse. Were proud to honor those changing dynamics by bringing the state to Colorado Springs next May."

This was the second time the Colorado Democratic Party had used a competitive site selection process to choose the site for the state assembly/convention. In 2005, the Party chose Greeley as its site for the 2006 State Assembly, and the resulting energy from that event is partially credited by many for Governor Bill Ritters historic victory in Weld County in 2006. The Site Selection Committee is comprised of 10 members, plus a non-voting chair, appointed by the State Party Chair. Of the ten members, at least one must come from each of Colorados seven Congressional Districts, guaranteeing geographical diversity. A Request for Proposals was sent out to each county Democratic chair in April, 2007, with Broomfield and Colorado Springs submitting bids in May, 2007.As noted, the decision has yet to be ratified by the State Executive Committee, which will likely be meeting on July 21 in Pueblo. But I'm hopeful that the Executive Committee will see the same advantages we saw and endorse this decision.

Dan Slater: "I had to drive through Colorado Springs to get back home last night. Since there was already a fundraiser for Representative Michael Merrifield and Senator John Morse going on, I thought I'd stop by and somewhat-informally congratulate the El Paso Dems on their success.

There just happened to be a reporter from the Colorado Springs Gazette there, and here's some of what is up on the Gazette today:

A site-selection committee for the state party unanimously agreed Wednesday that Democrats hold the partys 2008 state convention in Colorado Springs. The partys executive committee still must ratify the recommendation next month, but several sources said thats merely a formality. The May convention will be a two-day affair at several hotels and the World Arena, culminating in the expected nomination of Congressman Mark Udall as the partys U.S. Senate nominee. It is a separate event from the weeklong Democratic National Convention that will be held next summer in Denver. Still, the state convention is expected to attract 6,500 peo- ple, most of whom will come from outside the area, staying at city hotels and eating in local restaurants. No figures were available late Wednesday on the exact economic impact, but Mayor Lionel Rivera, who wrote a letter to support the bid, said Republican state conventions that have been here have typically filled all the hotel rooms in the southwest part of town. "Were going to play everywhere, including the reddest parts of the state," Dan Slater, chairman of the selection committee, told Democratic leaders at The Warehouse restaurant. "This county is in play." His optimism as well as the idea of a state Democratic convention in El Paso County would have seemed laughable in mid-2002, when no Democrats held local office and Libertarians put more candidates onto the ballot here. State Rep. Mike Merrifield, a Colorado Springs Democrat elected in the fall of that year, said he would have been "shocked" by such an announcement at that time. But local Democrats put together an enticing package this year, showing that hotels and the convention could be within walking distance of each other. They also emphasized the importance of El Paso County Democratic votes to winning statewide races. "Pretty clearly, the state party recognizes the tectonic shift thats occurring in El Paso County," said state Sen. John Morse, D-Colorado Springs. A tectonic shift indeed. And we're just beginning...

As a resident of Colorado Springs, I am thrilled by this exciting news -- and I look forward to a strong show of support for Governor Richardson -- at BOTH of next year's Colorado conventions!!

Together, we're going to change America!

Richardson for President ~ I Believe!

Mea Culpa

Hi friends -

I apologize for not updating the blog as often as I used to.

I've been insanely busy of late....

As many of you know, I'm the Grassroots Director for the Richardson Campaign in Colorado....a position and effort which is quite time-consuming.

I also have my other life and job as a writer...which is also very time-consuming as I'm currently at work on a number of different projects.

I'm also preparing the launch of an exciting new website and program for Richardson supporters across the country. (More details to follow soon.)

Additionally, I've been helping out my Dad, as he recently started a new job and needed my assistance with a few things.

I'm trying to do it all...and do it all well...but sometimes that's easier said than done, as there are only so many hours in the day. I promise to try and update the blog as frequently as I can....please forgive me, though, when I get a little behind.

Thanks for your patience and understanding!

-- Michelle

---------------------
Michelle Lindsey
Colorado Grassroots Director
Bill Richardson for President
Michelle@RichardsonBringsHope.com

The Official Colorado for Richardson Group - Join Today:
http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/group/ColoradoForRichardson

Event with Governor Bill Richardson in Pueblo

Hi friends:
Here are the details on the event with Governor Richardson, in Pueblo, on Friday, June 8.
I will be in attendance and look forward to hopefully seeing some of you there!
If you plan to attend, please e-mail me at Michelle@RichardsonBringsHope.com as I need to give the folks in Pueblo a tentative head-count.
Thanks!
-- Michelle
------------------
Michelle Lindsey
Colorado Grassroots Director
Bill Richardson for President
Michelle@RichardsonBringsHope.com

_________________________________

Please Join
Lawrence & Julie Anaya * Dr. Tom Autobee * Debbie Duran * Terry Hart
Deborah Kalb * Ray & Linda Kogovsek * Joe & Jim Koncilja
Del & Joyce Olivas * Bo, Gilbert, Diana & Rudy Ortiz * Jane Wilson
Wally & Sharon Stealey * Senator Abel Tapia * Ken & Gala White * Michelle Lindsey

For a cocktail reception with

Governor Bill Richardson
Candidate for President of the United States

Friday, June 8, 2007

Pueblo, Colorado

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Pre-Reception at the Koncilja Law Offices
125 B Street, Pueblo, CO
$1,000 – Patron * $2,300 - Leadership Circle

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch at the Olde Carriage House on the River Walk
102 S. Victoria, Pueblo, CO
$100 – Guest * $250 - Friend

To RSVP -- please contact Katherine Dey at 202-543-3182
or kdey@RichardsonForPresident.com.



Please make checks payable to Bill Richardson for President, Inc. and mail to
JYP Consulting, 303 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E. Washington DC 20002 or bring with you to the event. Contributions to Bill Richardson for President , Inc. are not tax deductible for Federal income tax purposes, and are limited to $2,300 per individual ($4,600 per couple) per election. Federal multi-candidate PACs may contribute $5,000 per election.

Paid for by Bill Richardson for President, Inc.

http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/group/ColoradoForRichardson

Events with Governor Bill Richardson - in Denver - June 7

Hi friends:

Here are the details on the two events with Governor Richardson, in Denver, on Thursday, June 7.

-- Michelle
---------------------

Michelle Lindsey

Colorado Grassroots Director

Bill Richardson for President

Michelle@RichardsonBringsHope.com

_______________________________________


Please Join
Polly Baca * Hon. Alice Borodkin * Joan Coplan * Tom Downey * Tim Kubik
Lawrence Martinez * Joelle Martinez * Ramona Martinez * Debbie Marquez
Bill Mitchell * JW Postal * Mike & Sara Stratton

For a cocktail reception with

Governor Bill Richardson
Candidate for President of the United States

Thursday, June 7, 2007
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
American G.I. Forum –Mile High Chapter
1717 Federal Blvd.
Denver, CO
Sponsor - $250
Friend - $100


To RSVP please contact Katherine Dey at 202-543-3182 or kdey@RichardsonForPresident.com.

________________________________________________

Please Join
Linda Alvarado * Steve Arent * Polly Baca * Rep. Alice Borodkin * Josh Brodbeck * Norm Brownstein * John Chase * Don Ciancio * David Cole * Joan Coplan * Rev. Patrick Demmer * Tom Downey * Richard Evans * Cole Finegan * John Frew * Bob Hanfling * Hon. Mark Hogan * Michael Huttner * Greg Kolomitz * Ramona Martinez * Lawrence M. Martinez * Bill Mitchell * JW Postal * Mark & Kathryn Raynes * Rick Reiter * Blair Richardson * Gil Roman * Alan Schwartz * Mike & Sara Stratton * Tom Strickland * Ted Trimpa * Jamie Whyte

For a cocktail reception with

Governor Bill Richardson
Candidate for President of the United States

Thursday, June 7, 20077:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Home of Blair & Kristin Richardson

1991 East Alameda Avenue, House #1

Denver, CO 80209

*********

* $2,300 - Richardson Leadership Circle * * $1,000 - Patron *

To RSVP please go to click here or contact Katherine Dey at 202-543-3182 or kdey@RichardsonForPresident.com.
If you cannot make it to the event but would still like to make a contribution, click here.

******

http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/group/ColoradoForRichardson

Richardson leading Hillary in New Hampshire poll -- Go vote for our Gov!!

Friends and Team Richardson members -

New Hampshire's WMUR (one of the hosts of Sunday's debate) is running a poll on who won the debate.
Gov. Richardson is leading Hillary 32% to 30%!!! (and is far and away from the other candidates)

I know we've been madly passing the word on this all day - but let's stay with it!!

Let's win this one for Team Richardson!!!

Go to: http://www.wmur.com/politics/index.html and look for the survey, to the right of "Conversation with The Candidates" (half way down on the right). Go now and vote for our favorite Governor!!!

Debate Videos

YouTube videos of Governor Richardson at Sunday's New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Debate:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=bobbygps1984

Campaign Press Release: Governor Bill Richardson Has Strong Showing in Second Democratic Presidential Debate

Official press release from the Richardson Campaign:

Governor Bill Richardson Has Strong Showing in Second Democratic Presidential Debate

Governor Richardson's strong and bold positions on key issues show the clear difference between real experience and political rhetoric

MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE— At tonight's Democratic Presidential debate in New Hampshire, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson tonight firmly established himself as the candidate with the strongest positions on the key challenges facing this country and showed that he is the most qualified to be the next President of the United States.

"The other candidates have policy positions and Bill Richardson has real-world experience dealing with those challenges," said David Contarino, Governor Richardson's campaign manager. "Tonight he separated himself from the other candidates and showed voters in New Hampshire and across the country that he will be a strong and effective President that can bring this country together and restore America's standing in the world."

On Iraq:
Bill Richardson has the strongest plan to get US forces out of Iraq without leaving residual troops. Congress should vote, before the summer recess, to de-authorize the Iraq War under Article I and the War Powers Act and to withdraw all US forces- with no residual troops – within six months after that vote.

On Energy and Global Warming
Governor Richardson is calling for a "man-on-the-moon" effort, a ten-year intensive plan to reduce our dependence on oil by 50% and our global warming pollution by at least 20%. He is proposing tough fuels mileage standards for vehicles and incentives to stimulate production of more efficient and alternative fuel vehicles. The Governor also believes that a mandatory carbon emission cap-and-trade program will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The League of Conservation Voters calls Governor Richardson's plan the "most aggressive of all the candidates", and the Sierra Club says Governor Richardson has "raised the bar."

Health Care
Governor Richardson believes in universal health care to provide quality, affordable coverage for all Americans. His plan would give people the choice to keep their current coverage or obtain coverage through an existing, well-established program. The Richardson plan can be paid for without raising taxes and will not create a new bureaucracy. The plan will also ensure our Veterans have the quality health care they deserve by providing them with a Hero's Health Card, meaning they can get care at a provider of their choice instead of traveling long distances to the closest VA facility.

Education
Governor Richardson was the only candidate to say he will make education a priority, including increasing teacher salaries (including a national minimum wage for teachers), access to pre-k for all four year olds, eliminating junk food from schools, mandating physical education in schools, and giving every American the chance to attend college or vocational school.

Darfur
The Governor is very familiar with Sudan and the conflict in Darfur and believes the United States must lead the world in helping to stop the genocide that has already claimed more than 200,000 lives. The US must use every available diplomatic tool, including the possibility of the US boycotting the upcoming summer Olympics, to persuade China to pressure Sudan to allow UN peacekeeping forces into Darfur.

Immigration
Governor Richardson believes in comprehensive immigration reform that includes dramatically improving border security, enforcing sanctions against employers that knowingly hire illegal workers, using diplomacy to engage Mexico, and creating an earned path to legalization for the 12 million undocumented immigrants already in the country, providing they meet strict requirements- passing a background check, learning English, paying fines and back taxes, and following a detailed application procedure. The Governor believes keeping families together must be a priority with any immigration plan, and he will not support any guest worker program that does not provide basic worker protections and could create a permanent underclass of immigrant worker.

www.RichardsonForPresident.com