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

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

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!

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

CNN: Richardson appears to be winning sign wars

MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) — He may be fourth in most polls, but New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson appears to be winning the sign wars here in Manchester.
We did an informal count of the number of campaign posters and signs as we drove from downtown Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city, to Saint Anselm College, where tonight’s debate is being held — and the winner appears to be the New Mexico Democrat.
There were Richardson signs on the front lawns of just about every house as we drove through a residential area right next to campus.
We’re giving second place in our informal poll to former Sen. John Edwards. There were a number of Edwards supporters posted at all four corners of a busy intersection about two miles from the debate site. And just outside of the school, there’s a large Edwards banner on an elevated platform machine.
Supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton apparently will not be out done. Just four driveways up the street from the Edwards banner, there was an even larger Clinton banner on another such cherry-picker machine.
There were a few Dodd and Biden signs, but we didn’t witness any signs or supporters for Sen. Barack Obama.

Gov. Richardson's official announcement to be carried live on CNN

Governor Richardson's official announcement of candidacy for President of the United States will be carried live tomorrow (Monday) on CNN - at 1:00 pm Eastern time (11:00 am Mountain time) - from Los Angeles, California.

For those of you who will not have access to a television at that time, I will have the video of the announcement up here, on the blog, later in the day.

Governor Richardson's Energy Plan : Act Boldy, Act Now

Act Boldly, Act Now

In order to make America a Clean Energy Nation, as I made New Mexico a Clean Energy State, we need a man-on-the-moon program to end our addiction to oil and abate our global warming crisis. And we need to do it must faster and much more boldly that most people are suggesting. Some politicians and some industry people will say we can’t do what I propose – I say we need to change fast or sink slowly. Now is the time for bold actions, clear vision, and complete commitment.

Consider this a call to action, for Congress, the energy industry, and the public. I am calling for a new American revolution – an energy and climate revolution. And I am calling on you to join it.

My Plan:

** Cut oil demand: 50% by 2020 **

We must reduce oil imports from around 65% to 10%. We can reach these goals in part by getting the 100 mile per gallon (mpg) car into the marketplace, push fuel economy standards to 50 mpg by 2020, and set a life-cycle low-carbon fuel standard that reduces the carbon impact of our liquid fuels by 30% by 2020, including increasing use of alternative fuels.

** Change to renewable sources for electricity: 50% by 2040 **

I am calling for a national renewable electricity source portfolio standard of 30% by 2020 – which will rise to 50% by 2040. This is aggressive, but necessary as we start using more electricity for automobiles. I will push for an energy productivity law requiring a 20% improvement in energy productivity by 2020. We could easily save customers $21 billion a year by 2020. Also, my market-based cap and trade program for greenhouse gas emissions will create incentives for the electric and industrial sectors to make significant reductions in their carbon emissions.

** Dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions: 90% by 2050 **

20% by 2020, and 80% by 2040 -- ten years faster than scientists say is necessary, because we must lead the world, and we can’t afford the possibility of backsliding and inaction. We will start with a market-based cap and trade system. Economists say the world can protect itself from drastic climate change at a cost of 1-3% of our economic activity. We can afford to protect the climate. Given the risks of catastrophic climate change, we can’t afford not to.

** Lead by example and restore America as the world’s leader **

We must return to the international negotiating table and support mandatory world-wide limits on global warming pollution. We will work closely with fast-growing nations and, as President, I will cooperate with the European Union, the World Bank, and other allies to help finance the small cost of “doing it right.” I will create a North American Energy Council with Mexico and Canada, which supply about 20% of our oil, and make sure our relations with these neighbors are firm and friendly. As we reduce our demand for foreign oil, we should work with the Persia Gulf nations, and our partners in consuming nations and the United Nations Security Council, to try to create a multilateral system for protecting the Gulf so that within ten years the U.S. presence there could be sharply and safely reduced.

** Get it all done without breaking the bank **

We will raise some revenue from the sales of carbon permits, for example. Further, I will get out the “green scissors” to cut back on wrongly-placed tax subsidies. Over time, this program will yield huge productivity increases in our economy, as well as significant budget savings and revenues. We will create more than ten times as much value in the American economy by reducing our oil imports as we spend to make this program happen.

On energy policy, we need to change fast or sink slowly. We need to act boldly and act now. Defy conventional wisdom and join the revolution -- endorse Governor Richardson bold new agenda for an American energy and climate revolution.

Join the Richardson for President campaign: www.RichardsonForPresident.com

Governor Bill Richardson Will Be America's Energy President

Governor Bill Richardson Will Be America's Energy President

Calls for Fast, Comprehensive Energy Revolution
Proposals Dramatically Reduce Oil Consumption, Incentivize Alternative Vehicle Market, and Save Consumers Thousands in Fueling Costs

WASHINGTON, DC - Governor Bill Richardson today unveiled a bold new Energy and Climate Policy Plan at a speech to the New America Foundation.

"Gasoline is back up over $3 a gallon and people are hurting," stated Governor Richardson. "Retail sales are down, as many American households do not have income to spread across high gasoline costs and other life expenses. Consumers are hurting because US energy markets are not diverse and competitive, and because we have fed our addiction to oil instead of ending it."

"We need an aggressive national energy and climate policy that helps Americans who are struggling to heat their homes, fill their gas tanks and that moves us to safe, available alternatives as quickly as possible. We also need a policy that will help the US meet the two great challenges of our era: energy security and global warming."

Today, I'm going to stake my claim to being the next President, the Energy President, on the concept of a fast, comprehensive energy revolution in the United States," stated Governor Bill Richardson. "We need a man on the moon program to end our oil addiction, but we need it faster and bolder than others have suggested."

Governor Richardson's five point framework breaks our oil addiction, creates competition and value for consumers, strengthens our national security, creates American jobs and will the lead the world toward effective climate protection.

Goal 1--
By 2020, dramatically reduce oil consumption by as much as 10 million through a series of bold measures:
Get low and zero petroleum plug-in cars into the marketplace, while sharply reducing the carbon emissions from our electric sector. The pure-electric vehicle offers simplicity and performance for an average daily commute in our larger metro areas, while the plug-in electric car or truck provides more range and flexibility for people who drive longer distances, as it can extend gas mileage above 100 miles per gallon.
Create a well-to-wheels low carbon fuel requirement that reduces carbon impact of our liquid fuels by 30% by 2020, including ethanol and biodiesel. Requiring conventionally powered cars and trucks, to be flex fuel capable and provide tax credits to the first 10% of gasoline retailers who install renewable fuel pumps.
Push fuel economy standards to 50 miles per gallon by 2020.
Reduce oil consumption for other modes of transportation-ships, trains, trucks and planes through new technologies, such as fuel-switching to electricity and renewable fuels.

Goal 2 --
Create new efficiencies and energy sources in the electrical sector
Call for a national renewable portfolio standard of 30% by 2020, rising to 50% by 2040 -- thus mandating utilities to provide a certain amount of renewable energy in the electricity sold to every consumer.
Push for a law requiring a 20% improvement in energy productivity by 2020. This 20 by 20 proposal has been studied by the Western Governors Association and will save western customers $21 billion a year by 2020.

Goal 3 --
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least 20% by 2020 and 80% by 2040.
Start with a market-based cap and trade system. By 2020 utilities and industry will be allowed to emit 80% as much global warming pollution as they do today. Combined with transportation sector savings, these changes will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020.
Move to carbon-clean coal using safe, long-term carbon disposal or sequestration, and deploy these carbon-clean coal technologies here and around the world.

Goal 4 --
Capitalize and invest in America's strengths in science and technology
Establish a national energy innovation trust fund with a one-time funding commitment to provide needed research and technology support, invest in our world-leading institutions and science and technology programs.

Goal 5 --
America must lead by example and become a beacon of the New Energy Future.
Immediately return to the international negotiating table and support mandatory limits on global warming pollution and keep atmospheric carbon below 450 parts per million.
Cooperate with the European Union, the World Bank, the Asian partnership, the UN and our allies around the world to finance the small incremental cost of "doing it right."
Work closely with fast-growing nations like China, Brazil, South Africa, and India so that they use new, low-carbon technologies to help meet their energy demands.
Renew our relations with our largest oil supplies, Mexico and Canada, which supply about 20% of our oil and create a North American Energy Council to stabilize the oil and gas trade, build a continental electrical grid, help bring energy resources and productivity to market throughout the continent and develop a regional system for carbon trading.

Governor Richardson has a record of accomplishment on each of these challenges. As Energy Secretary, he pushed for aggressive energy efficiency standards, conservation in the midst of the California electricity crisis, a national renewable portfolio standard, and development of new vehicle technology.

As Governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson has initiated mandates requiring utilities to meet standards of renewable energy production, supported generous solar, biodiesel and biofuel tax incentives, eliminated sales taxes on hybrid vehicles, and set aggressive targets to reduce global warming pollution. New Mexico is on track to exceed the Kyoto Protocols and has become the Clean Energy State.

"As a diplomat and negotiator, I have a record of dealing successfully with hostage-takers and tyrants," stated Governor Richardson. "Now I want to bring that experience to the task of freeing the United States from its status as international hostage to costly energy...and from the tyranny of oil dependence."

"I have a record, I have the will, and I am making this a central priority in my campaign for president," stated Governor Richardson.

After the Governor's speech today the League of Conservation Voters released a statement applauding Governor Richardson's plan.
To read the statement please go to http://www.lcv.org/newsroom/press-releases/page.jsp?itemID=33471896

Richardson Outlines Energy Action Agenda

Richardson outlines energy action agenda

By Jennifer Tallhelm, Associated Press Writer

Thursday, May 17

WASHINGTON - Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson on Thursday laid out his plan for a dramatic shift in the way the U.S. uses energy, proposing to all but end the country's reliance on oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2040.

Invoking President Kennedy's call for the Apollo space program, he said the nation needs a "man-on-the-moon" effort to develop technologies that will cut energy costs and halt global warming.

"I am issuing a call to action, for Congress, the energy industry and the public," he said in a speech to the New America Foundation. "I am calling for a new American revolution — an energy and climate revolution."

Richardson's plan encourages people to drive electric and plug-in cars, promotes public transportation and calls for increasing fuel economy standards to 50 miles a gallon by 2020 from about 25 miles per gallon now.
He also wants to fund programs to develop wind, solar and biomass energy, and create a market-based system requiring utilities to emit less pollution.

Richardson has promoted his energy plan this week in campaign stops in California and elsewhere.

He says his experience as energy secretary under President Clinton, and as the current governor of New Mexico give him a leg up on other candidates, who also have rolled out energy plans.

The Democratic front-runner, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton also has called for an "Apollo program" on energy. Illinois Sen. Barack Obama recently lectured automakers for investing in bigger, faster cars while dependency on oil is jeopardizing U.S. security and the global environment. And Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd wants to double the average fuel economy for each automaker to 50 mpg by 2017.

Richardson to announce candidacy

Richardson to announce candidacy

By Bruce Smith, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON, D.C. - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who has been campaigning for weeks for the nation's highest office, plans to announce Monday in Los Angeles that he is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination.

Richardson, who was born in California and lived there briefly, will make his announcement at the Los Angeles Press Club. Aides to the governor said the backdrop will be several Hispanic leaders, underscoring Richardson's Hispanic heritage and the importance of California's Feb. 5 primary.

Governor Bill Richardson touts energy plan

Governor Bill Richardson touts energy plan


By SCOTT LINDLAW, Associated Press Writer

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - Democratic presidential contender Bill Richardson on Monday proposed dramatic increases in automotive fuel economy in the next 10 years and the near-elimination of industrial greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Previewing the national energy strategy he will unveil later this week, the New Mexico governor and former energy secretary called for "an Apollo program" that would vault the nation into a massive undertaking to wean itself from fossil fuels. He also said he would encourage shared sacrifice, but he was quick to add that under his vision Americans could keep their SUVs. Those big vehicles would get better gas mileage, he said.

"We need to become energy-independent," Richardson told about 200 employees of search-engine giant Google Inc. at its Mountain View headquarters. "Having our dependence on foreign oil is not worth it."

Richardson said he would reduce U.S. imports of foreign energy from 65 percent to 10 percent; require that 20 percent of all electricity generated in the United States come from such power sources as wind or solar by 2020; and mandate a 90 percent greenhouse gas-emission reduction by 2050.

And he called for "a massive public and private investment — yes, tax dollars — in promoting renewable technologies."

Richardson, who was energy secretary in the Clinton administration, was disdainful of
President Bush's announcement Monday that his administration will decide how to regulate pollution from new motor vehicles by the time he leaves office. Bush signed an executive order directing federal agencies to craft regulations that will cut gasoline consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.

The new rules could help Bush implement his plan to reduce gas consumption by 20 percent over 10 years.
"It's insufficient," Richardson said of Bush's plan. "It's weak. It has no mandates. It's all voluntary."

Richardson said the notion of sacrifice has been missing during the Bush administration. He added, however, that he would not urge Americans to "stop heating your home."

"I'd say be more careful, everybody pitch in — kids, companies, citizens," Richardson said. He would encourage purchases of energy-efficient appliances, lighting and cars, he said.

"I don't mean sacrifice in a negative way," he said. "I think sacrifice (would be) for the common good to become less energy (dependent) to countries that jeopardize our national security — OPEC countries."

Richardson is to outline the complete energy proposal on Thursday in Washington.

Several Democratic presidential candidates have sought to make energy a centerpiece of their campaigns. One,
Hillary Rodham Clinton also has called for an "Apollo program" on energy.

Richardson is the third presidential candidate to submit to a grilling by employees of Google. Clinton visited in February, Republican John McCain earlier this month.

Bill Richardson's Poll Numbers are Rising -- Is He the Next Top Tier Candidate?

From PRWEB and Yahoo News:

Bill Richardson's Poll Numbers are Rising -- Is He the Next Top Tier Candidate?

Bill Richardson's improvement in the polls and his successful release of two television advertisements on YouTube to be aired on Iowa indicate that Richardson is up and rising.

Bill Richardson released two new television ads on the popular internet video sharing website YouTube.com on Tuesday May 8, 2007. In just a few days, these ads have had over 100,000 views and over 250 comments from others.
About three weeks ago, the Washington Post reported that Bill Richardson would be the first Democratic candidate running television advertisements in Iowa.
Since then, things have improved for governor Richardson. For the first time ever, American Research Group has Richardson polling above the margin of error according to its latest poll taken from April 27-30, 2007 approximately a week after the Washington Post article.
David Terr, who holds a PhD in Math from UC Berkeley and is the lead content developer at PresidentPolls2008.com, says, "Polling better than the margin of error is significant because it affirms that Bill Richardson has true suport." The idea behind all of that is the fact that you could add anybody's name, even a dead person, and still get 2% but getting more than the margin of error would theoretically requires true support.
"The fact that Bill Richardson is still a relatively unknown candidate according to the latest familiarity ratings, Richardson stands the most to gain as each of these candidates get their names and positions out there," says PresidentPolls2008.com.
With the successful launch of his new television ads on YouTube since May 8, things bode well for Richardson in Iowa and the rest of the presidential campaign.
To view all of the latest polls regarding the 2008 election, PresidentPolls2008.com is the nation's leading centralized location for free access to all of the latest national and state polls.
To view Bill Richardson's television ads on YouTube, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjOuL5qwNIc

TV ALERT -- Governor Richardson to appear on C-SPAN's "Road to the White House" -- TODAY

Governor Richardson is scheduled to appear on C-SPAN's "Road to the White House" today, Sunday, May 13.

They will be appearing footage of the Governor's recent campaign visits to New Hampshire and Nevada.

"Road to the White House" airs on C-SPAN every Sunday at 4:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 10:30 pm. (all times Mountain, check your local listings)

Bill Richardson to Firefighters Unions: "I'll Always Be With You"

Presidential hopeful Bill Richardson asked members of the nation's largest firefighters' union Thursday to compare his labor record to his Democratic rivals' rhetoric.
"I've done it. I don't just say I'm for it: I've done it," the New Mexico governor said at an International Association of Fire Fighters convention.
"There are a lot of candidates who will come up and take a picture with you and make you promises, but when it's time to deliver, maybe they'll be with you. . . . I'll always be with you," he said.
In 2003, Richardson signed a law requiring the state, cities, counties and school boards to negotiate with unionized workers. The law replaced one that had lapsed several years earlier.
"Those were dark, dark ages for us," said Emily Kane, president of the New Mexico Firefighters Association. After Richardson signed the law, wages for firefighters increased "to the point people are fighting to get into the departments," she said.
"When he takes office in 2009, my loss is going to be your gain," she told her peers from around the country.
Richardson said he also supported unions during his 15 years in Congress and as Energy Secretary, when he proposed a health care compensation package for union workers who built nuclear weapons. He said that as president, he would help firefighters by ensuring they have the equipment, training and protected pensions they deserve, and he also would appoint someone with a labor background as labor secretary.
"I want you to look in my eye: I will fight for you," he said.

Richardson, FDR, and Newsweek

Newsweek is running a feature -- including mini-interviews with each candidate -- on the topic of which former president the current crop of contenders most admirers.

Governor Richardson's response....

Bill Richardson: "When you look at FDR's presidency, there are so many heroic actions to choose from, but his leadership during World War II remains his most courageous act. America had to become a global leader in the fight against fascism. This meant more than leading the military charge; it meant working with other countries to bring about lasting change."

New Daily Kos Diary by Michelle

Hi friends...

I recently posted a new diary on Daily Kos:
"Bill Richardson: You've got to be part of causes you believe in"

I will post the piece here as well, but I would also like to ask everyone to please forward it to their friends and family (or at least forward the address of this blog [www.Colorado4Richardson.blogspot.com] and the link for the below mentioned San Francisco Chronicle article [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/01/BAGGQPIDK41.DTL&feed=rss.bayarea] )

If there is one Richardson article that everyone should read, that S.F. Chronicle article is the one.

Also, if you are registered at Daily Kos, please visit the the post with my diary and recommend it, so that it will pop up on the front page and everyone can find that great Chronicle article on the Governor.

Thanks so much!

-- Michelle

__________________________________

Bill Richardson: You've got to be part of causes you believe in

The world won't become a better place unless we help make it so.

I'm a true believer in the Bill Richardson for President movement.

Call me a kool-aid drinker...because, well, I am. Every now and then there's some kool-aid that's actually worth drinking... Because every now and then, there's a special person with the character and vision that can change this country...and for the resolute better. Every now and then there's that special candidate worth believing in...and worth going to the front lines for. I've only found that candidate twice - John Kerry - and now Bill Richardson.

I don't need to sound off with superfluous platitudes about my candidate. He makes his best case himself - right here: "Richardson: 'You've got to be part of causes you believe in'."

(http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/01/BAGGQPIDK41.DTL&feed=rss.bayarea)

And it's not just his words that make the case, but rather his actions. When everyone else was glad handing and politicking, Richardson was speaking up for the cause he believes in....a cause not about himself, or about campaigns, or money, or votes, or flash bulbs...but a campaign about giving a voice to those without, and of making an effort to save their lives.

I was - and forever will be - a proud drinker of the Kerry Kool-Aid Club... And I'm now proud to drink and serve the Richardson Kool-Aid.

Bill Richardson believes in speaking - and acting - on behalf of the causes he believes in. An example worth noting, worth following...and worth believing in.

The world won't become a better place unless we help make it so.

Richardson for America ~ I Believe

Richardson talks to CHS students about Darfur and the need for diplomacy

From the Nevada Appeal

Richardson talks to CHS students about Darfur and the need for diplomacy

By Jarid Shipley/Appeal Staff Writer,

Monday morning, Carson High School history and government students got a chance to voice their concerns to a man seeking the highest office in the country.

New Mexico governor and presidential hopeful Bill Richardson stopped at the high school to talk to the students about the genocide taking place in the Darfur region of the Sudan.

"I have long felt that we have neglected the third world, including Africa and Latin America," Richardson said.

Richardson spoke about how students and citizens can effect change in Darfur as well as his solution to the ongoing struggles in the region.

"American not only has a responsibility to protect its interests, to protect us from a terrorist attack, but also look at countries and regions like Darfur and help them out," Richardson told the students.

Richardson was in the area two months ago and has helped negotiate the release of three American Red Cross workers and an American journalist taken captive in the region.

Richardson also praised the students for their recent fundraising drive, which garnered $825 to help provide relief to refugee camps through Catholic Relief Services.

"I feel like the world kind of stood by with Rwanda, we didn't do anything and it's happening again," said Will Houk, the CHS history teacher who organized the fundraiser. "I want the students to believe in being a part of the world community and how important that is to history."

Students are holding a silent auction fundraiser from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at the Starbucks in the Wal-Mart shopping center on College Parkway. The auction includes rounds of golf, a Starbucks coffee maker and a night at the Bliss Mansion.

"With this fundraiser you are doing what I believe all Americans should do, care about all areas, not just areas of strategic importance," Richardson said.

Sophomore Jessie Sinclair had the honor of introducing Richardson and said she hoped he would share ways to help. "I want him to talk about how we can stop what's going on in the Sudan. I don't know if anyone can answer that question but I'd like to ask him how he would do it," Sinclair said.

Richardson also put forth a four-part proposal to help end the situation in Darfur, which included providing humanitarian aid to the region, pushing for economic sanctions both from the U.S. and members of the United Nations, deploying U.N. peacekeepers to the region and making the genocide a national issue in the United States.Richardson cautioned however, that he would not advocate sending U.S. troops into the area, instead opting for U.N. peacekeepers.

"I believe America doesn't need another conflict, we need more diplomacy," he said.

"Richardson is the only thing between Clinton and coronation."

Op/Ed columnist Kevin Hassett has written a piece which grades the performances of each candidate in last Thursday's debate.

His take on Governor Richardson:

Bill Richardson: It seems that every primary season some governor comes out of nowhere to steal the nomination. Richardson showed in this debate that it might well happen again. He was genuine and tough, the kind of guy who could pull the troops out of Iraq without looking wimpy. If he has a couple of more debates this good, money will start flowing his way. (Grade: A+)


If the Democratic primaries continue along the path they began last week, then Richardson is the only thing between Clinton and coronation.


To read the column in its entirety:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&refer=columnist_hassett&sid=aVfHmPSs.KAU