New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson addresses an audience during a campaign stop in Exeter, N.H., Monday, Jan. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
by Frank James
Gov. Bill Richardson made it official a few minutes ago; he's out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.
He may have been in the race but he was never really in the hunt, getting five percent of the primary vote in New Hampsire and a measly two percent of the Iowa caucus vote.
Richardson had sought to become the first Hispanic president and he probably had the strongest all-around resume in the Democratic field. Governor. U.S. UN ambassador, Energy Secretary. Member of Congress.
Richardson had hoped that kind of experience would catapult him into the top tier once voters got familiar with his story. But that didn't happen. He could never overcome being in the race with two larger than life personalities, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
Today he told the people of New Mexico "I am back," in a press conference he held in there. He said his major goal was to get universal health care accomplished for the people of his state by the end of his term.
In his press conference, he asked the remaining Democratic candidates to refrain from negative attacks on each other. During debates he had tried to maintain the same conciliatory, above-the-fray stance.
But the race he is exiting is likely to get more nasty, not less.
Since a lot of people think Richardson was in part positioning himself to be chose Clinton or Obama's vice presidential nominee, he may not be back in New Mexico for long.
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Comments
I like Richardson, he would make a great VP.
Posted by: bill r. | January 10, 2008 4:00 PM
No, we won't be back in New Mexico long. He will and should have a place as a master of foreign policy. He will have a positive noted place in history. As far as being a running mate, if Hil-only if it suits her plans. If Obama is the nominee he cannot be considered a running mate because the people of this nation would never support a ticket with two men of color.
Posted by: Pat | January 10, 2008 4:03 PM
"NEW MEXICANS" LOOK OUT SECRETARY CHERTOF WANTS YOU.
HE WANTS A FORENSIC DNA, BIOMETRIC DATA, NEW PRISONS FOR PROFIT AKA DETENTION CAMPS/CENTERS. HE WANTS AN UNMANNED AIRCRAFT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. HE WANTS STALL ANY MEXICANS THAT HAVE BEEN WAITING TO BECOME A CITIZEN JUST A TAD BIT LONGER TO SEE IF SOMETHING EVIL CAN COME OUT OF THE GOP AND END THAT "CONGRESSIONAL CHURN" IN CONGRESS. HE WANTS BASE CLOSURES AND THEM TO BECOME DETENTION CENTERS.
HE WANTS ROGUE DETENTION FACILITIES RAN BY BLACKWATER NEAR YOU.
HE WANTS THE SEC. OF INTERIOR, SEC OF AGRICULTURE, SEC. OF STATE AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO RECOGNIZE HIM AS
THE "SECRETARY"
SO GOVERNOR RICHARDSON CAN YOU LET PEOPLE TRAVEL THROUGH YOUR STATE WITHOUT BEING DETAINED, RENDERED AND POSSIBLY FOUND IN A DETENTION CAMP NEAR YOU.
YOU DID WANT TO BE PRESIDENT AFTERALL.
Posted by: Roger Morris | January 10, 2008 4:04 PM
When it comes time to vote for the President, Americans won't vote for a women that cries in public ,a black muslim, or a fat Mexican they'll vote for a man that will keep their taxes low and protect them from terrorism.
That debate is over..Vote (R).
Paulo
Posted by: Anonymous Paulo | January 10, 2008 4:11 PM
WHY THE SLOW POSTING TIMES?!?!?
THIS IS GETTING RIDICULOUS AND IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A MONTH NOW, ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL YOUR OWN BLOG????
Posted by: The Reamer | January 10, 2008 4:22 PM
I am so sorry that Bill is out of the race. He interjected some badly needed logic and rational to the debate as well as invaluable knowledge and expertise on the issues. I will grant that I am a Clinton supporter but I was truly torn between the two of them. God Bless him and all his future endeavors.
Posted by: sjbj2322 | January 10, 2008 4:22 PM
"I'm back."
To which the people asked, "You were gone?"
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | January 10, 2008 5:47 PM
So he finally admits that he's been negligent in New Mexico? People of public office should not be allowed to pursue other offices unless they formally quit their present office. I didn't vote for him, and I don't want him back here in New Mexico... I'm sure glad he's not going to be president. He surrounds himself with corruption, Chinese campaign financing, other democratic staples of life. Now he's back here where he can mingle with hoods, crooks, and idiot appointees... Welcome back. Manny Arragon missed you.
Posted by: Bubba | January 10, 2008 10:02 PM
I liked him. He was one of the few democrats who had a vision. And he ran a clean, stand-up race. The people of New Mexico are lucky to have him.
Compare what this man has accomplished to the lack of accomplishments of future defendant Rod Blagojevich and you should realize what a sad state of affairs we have here in Illinois.
Posted by: Jeff | January 10, 2008 11:56 PM