2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Governor Richardson Statement On Veterans Day

Governor Richardson Statement on Veterans Day

DUBUQUE, IA-- New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson today issued the following statement in commemoration of America's veterans:

"We pause today to honor the brave men and women of our military, especially those who have sacrificed their lives serving their country. We owe each of them and their families a debt that we never can repay; we recognize and pay tribute to those that have given so much. Thank you for your service.

"We also remember our troops deployed around the world, and in particular, those fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have the best, most highly trained, and most dedicated military in the world. They have done, and continue to do, everything we have asked of them. In return for their service and their sacrifice, I believe it is incumbent upon every American to renew the sacred promise made to our military men and women.

"We must honor our troops by honoring the principles and qualities that have made this nation great: an unwavering respect for human rights, international law, and above all, the Constitution of the United States. We have lost our way over the past seven years. As President, I will be proud to lead the United States back to its rightful place as a beacon of honor and hope for the world.

"We must not turn our backs on our troops and their families once they leave the active-duty military. In times of peace, the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging. Often their MOS, or military job skill, does not translate to civilian life, and in many cases, their spouses have not worked in years because of deployment abroad. In times of war, the transition becomes much more difficult. The benefits currently allocated to these men and women do not adequately address the mental and physical wounds that war produces; they are grossly inadequate. This is a national crisis that, if not corrected soon, will turn into a national epidemic.

"As a nation, we have an obligation to give our veterans our best, as they have given us on the battlefield. It is a national tragedy that there are a large number of veterans and military families who now are homeless.

Bill Richardson Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner Photos

Bill Richardson Iowa Jefferson Jackson Dinner Photos

Governor Bill Richardson At The Iowa Jefferson-Jackson Dinner

Governor Richardson at Iowa Jefferson-Jackson Dinner: "I Will Get All of Our Troops Out by the End of 2009, Not 2013"
Richardson calls for an end to negative, personal attacks; pledges prosecution of those responsible for torture

DES MOINES, IA-- At the Iowa Democratic Party Jefferson-Jackson Dinner tonight, supporters of New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson lowered banners which read "2013," emphasizing the refusal of Senators Clinton and Obama and John Edwards to end the Iraq war by the year 2013. Richardson again advocated getting every American troop out of Iraq quickly and safely without leaving behind any residual forces.

"The Iraq war is one of the real policy differences in this campaign," Richardson said. "Let me be clear before I start: I believe in every Democrat here tonight. I believe that they all have the character to lead this nation. This difference is not about character-- it is about whether and how we are going to end this war. Barack, Hillary, and John were asked to pledge to have all of our troops out of Iraq by 2013, and they refused to do so. I have made that pledge.

"Barack, Hillary, and John are saying that it will take them longer to end the war in Iraq than it took FDR to win World War II. We can get out faster. The experts know it, I know it, and the American people know it. Now let us do it."

Governor Richardson also asked for an end to negative, personal attacks and proposed a positive vision for America.

"You cannot build up America by tearing other Democrats down," Richardson said. "At the beginning of this campaign, I offered a pledge to campaign positively. I stand by that pledge. I believe in every Democrat here tonight. However, that does not mean that we do not have policy differences-- those are what we should be talking about. We should be talking about our different visions for bringing peace to Iraq, improving our education system, and preventing a war with Iran.

"I am going to win because Americans do not want personal attacks and negativity. They want a positive vision for America. Winning an election is not worth sacrificing our principles. It is time for a new vision. I have a vision of America in ascendancy. It is a vision that all of our people, whether they live in a blue, red, or purple state, can share."

During his speech, Governor Richardson recognized John Early, an American pilot he rescued from Sudan, and said that he would have rejected the nomination of Judge Michael Mukasey as Attorney General of the United States. Richardson also pledged that, as President, he would prosecute anyone responsible for torture.

"Here in the audience is a man named John Early," Richardson said. "He was a Red Cross pilot who was captured and held for ransom in Sudan. After 40 days in captivity, I was able to bring him home. Whenever I negotiate to free a hostage, I need up-front assurances: Is he or she being cared for? Is he or she sick or injured? Has he or she been tortured?

"The United States will possess no moral authority if our Attorney General cannot say whether or not waterboarding is torture. I never would have allowed Judge Mukasey to become Attorney General-- I would have filibustered the nomination. As President, I always will show up and fight against torture. I never will compromise. I will find out who is responsible for torture, and if laws were broken, there will be prosecutions. No one is above the law."

Lee Iacocca Endorses Bill Richardson For President

Lee Iacocca Endorses Bill Richardson for President
Former Chrysler CEO cites Richardson's leadership, management experience as primary factors behind endorsement

SANTA FE, NM-- New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson today was endorsed by former Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca. Iacocca also appears in a new online ad on behalf of Governor Richardson's candidacy.

"Richardson's been a successful Governor," Iacocca said in a statement on his blog. "He's been a successful CEO. He's demonstrated that he knows how to negotiate with foreign leaders and lead on issues like global warming. Unlike others on the stump, he's offering bold plans, not just pandering talk. I like his jobs plan, his healthcare and energy plan, education plan and his plan to get us out of Iraq. I also just plain like the guy.

"While I believe every citizen should vote their own mind and conscience, I'd encourage you to take a long hard look at Bill Richardson for yourself. With his experience, character and vision, I believe he's the President we need right now."

Lee Iacocca is the founder of the Iacocca Foundation for diabetes research. A graduate of Lehigh University with a master's degree from Princeton University, he began his career at Ford Motor Company as an engineer but moved to sales shortly thereafter. Iacocca's innovative approach to the automotive industry led to his becoming President of Ford in 1970.

After a seven-year stint, he moved to Chrysler Corporation and became CEO at a time when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. By taking short-term loans from the federal government and shifting the company's inventory to more fuel-efficient models, Iacocca had Chrysler turning record profits within six years. Since his retirement as CEO in 1992, Iacocca has been active in philanthropic projects around the world.

Governor Richardson thanked Iacocca for his support and promised to promote economic growth and the development of renewable energy sources as President.

"Lee Iacocca has lived the American dream," Richardson said. "He went to school, worked hard, and, with a bit of luck, brought his creative ideas to fruition. I am glad to have the support of such a legendary problem-solver.

"I want every child in America to have a chance to be the next Lee Iacocca, and education is the first step. I have proposed a comprehensive plan that spans from pre-kindergarten to career training to improve our children's competitiveness in the global economy. Next, we need to grow our economy and provide jobs. We do not need new taxes to keep Social Security viable; increasing the economy's growth rate will do the trick. Finally, to save our planet and decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, we must research and develop renewable energy sources. Global warming is a serious threat to the livability of our planet; America must lead the world by adhering to the Kyoto Protocol and working to improve fuel efficiency standards.

"As President, I will be a leader, even when it is unpopular. America will rejoin the international community. Together, we will take on the problems of the day and defeat them."

Bill Richardson At The DNC-Sanctioned NBC/MSNBC Presidential Debate

Governor Richardson Proves Most Experienced Candidate of Change in Foreign Affairs at DNC Debate
Hostage rescued from Iraq by Richardson appears at debate

PHILADELPHIA, PA-- New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson discussed his extensive experience in negotiating with foreign leaders at the DNC-sanctioned NBC/MSNBC Presidential Debate tonight.

When asked about how he would negotiate with Iran, Governor Richardson responded: "Even more of a threat than nuclear weapons is a loose nuclear weapon crossing the border. What we need is an international agreement. The key has to be diplomacy. In the fourth row, there is a man named Bill Barloon whom I rescued from an Iraqi prison in Abu Ghraib. It is going to take leadership, diplomacy, and negotiation. I went head-to-head with Saddam Hussein and brought two Americans out-- Bill is one. The greatest words I heard after I got him out were "thank you." Then I said, "I am taking you home." That is diplomacy. That means talking to Iran, Syria, and North Korea. I have done it all my life as a diplomat, as a U.S. ambassador, as a special envoy, and as a hostage negotiator. I have the most international experience. I have gone head-to-head with the North Koreans. We recently got back six remains of our soldiers. We got the North Koreans to stop their nuclear reactor. I believe it is important that we have a leader not just who can bring people together, but also can resolve some of the thorniest problems we have."

Richardson's campaign is currently running an ad, "Only One," that details a hostage situation in Iraq that then-Congressman Richardson was called upon to defuse. In the sixty-second spot, Bill Barloon, the late David Daliberti, and his wife Kathy Daliberti praise Richardson for obtaining the release of the two men from Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein in July 1995.

During a discussion about his qualifications to be the next President, Governor Richardson discussed his differences with the other candidates on the important issues facing our country.

"We need to get all of our troops out of Iraq," Richardson said. "I would get rid of No Child Left Behind. I believe we need to focus on the future. Look, the reality on the electability issue is that the last Senator who was elected President was 40 years ago. His name was John F. Kennedy. We elect Governors as Presidents. Seven out of the last eight have been either Governors or ex-Governors. My view is that I know how to bring people together. More important than all of the issues that we are talking about is: Who can govern? Who can manage? I am the only CEO in this race. I have balanced budgets. I have provided health care to kids under twelve. I have improved education. I have foreign policy experience. I have negotiated with foreign countries as a diplomat and as a hostage negotiator."

On the topic of energy, Governor Richardson showed that he has the most comprehensive and specific plan to address the issue of energy in the United States.

"We need an energy revolution that does the following: reduces the consumption of fossil fuels and establishes fuel efficiency standards of 50 miles per gallon," Richardson said. "Of all the electricity in America, have at least 30% produced from renewable sources. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2040 and by 30% by 2020. We need a cap and trade system. We have to ask the American people to sacrifice a little bit. What does that mean? That means: When we use appliances, mass transit, or air conditioning, we all should come together to reduce this dependency on foreign oil that affects our national security. When 65% of your oil is imported, when the planet is polluted by fossil fuels and manmade pollution, we need American leadership and Presidential leadership to create an energy revolution."

As the only major Presidential candidate to make education a key issue on the campaign trail, Governor Richardson made his position clear.

"Compared to countries like China and India, there is a competitiveness gap here," Richardson said. "I would have 100,000 new science and math teachers. We have to pay our teachers what they deserve: a national average starting salary of $40,000 per year. I will get rid of No Child Left Behind. I would have science and math academies. We need to build into the high school curriculum more language and arts to provoke creativity in science and math."

Governor Bill Richardson Releases New Advertisement in Iowa "When I Began"

Governor Bill Richardson Releases New Advertisement in Iowa
"When I Began" to run in tandem with ad detailing Richardson's successful efforts to obtain release of hostages from Iraq

SANTA FE, NM-- New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson today released a new ad in Iowa entitled "When I Began." The ad, which will run in conjunction with the campaign's "Only One" ad, features Governor Richardson speaking directly to voters about his character and vision for the country.

"I am Bill Richardson, and when I began this campaign for President, I was not sure what to expect," Richardson says in the ad. "I knew I would not have every answer, but I will always tell you what I really believe. And I will never mislead you. I know who I am, and I know how hard I will work for you."

Richardson also discusses the profound differences between his Iraq plan and those of the other major candidates.

"I knew there would be differences between the candidates, especially on Iraq," Richardson says in the ad. "I will get every soldier out. You cannot say you will end the war if you plan to leave thousands of troops behind; the Iraqis sure will not think the war is over. If you are wondering if anyone can really do all this, just look at what I have done in my life and how I have done it. Not by dividing people, but by earning their trust. And that is really where we need to begin in Iraq. There is a way out."

Campaign manager Dave Contarino spoke about the new advertisement.

"Iowans have witnessed Governor Richardson's humor and experience in the Job Interview ads, and they have learned about his heroic service rescuing hostages from Iraq in 'Only One,'" Contarino said. "This new ad allows Governor Richardson to tell voters in Iowa what he is about and why he has been so successful in bringing people together to get things done. Bill Richardson is the only candidate in this race with both experience and a real vision for change."

The sixty-second ad, produced by Mark Putnam and Steve Murphy of Murphy Putnam Media, will start running today in Iowa.

“WHEN I BEGAN”
Richardson for President

SCRIPT
“I’m Bill Richardson … and when I began this campaign for president, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew I wouldn’t have every answer … but I’ll always tell you what I really believe. And I’ll never mislead you.

I knew there’d be differences between the candidates. Especially on Iraq. I’ll get every soldier out. You can’t say you’ll end the war if you plan to leave thousands of troops behind. The Iraqis sure won’t think the war is over.

And when I began this campaign, I knew we had to get rid of No Child Left Behind, reverse global warming, and cover every American with health insurance.

If you’re wondering if anyone can really do all this … just look at what I’ve done in my life and how I’ve done it. Not by dividing people. But by earning their trust. And that’s really where we need to begin in Iraq. There is a way out.

I approved this message because I’m sure not the best looking or the flashiest … but I know who I am. And I know how hard I’ll work for you.”

Governor Bill Richardson Releases Testimonial Ad From Iraq Hostages

Governor Bill Richardson Releases Testimonial Ad from Iraq Hostages
"Only One" ad highlights Richardson's diplomatic experience

SANTA FE, NM-- The Presidential campaign of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today released an ad touting Richardson's one of a kind experience as a diplomatic troubleshooter around the world.

The ad, entitled "Only One," details a hostage situation in Iraq that then-Congressman Richardson was called upon to defuse. In the 60-second spot, Bill Barloon, the late David Daliberti, and his wife Kathy Daliberti praise Richardson for obtaining the release of the two men from Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein in July 1995.

"Governor Richardson is the only candidate with hands-on experience in tense international disputes," campaign manager Dave Contarino said. "This year, Governor Richardson has helped shut down North Korea's largest nuclear reactor and has obtained a temporary cease-fire in Darfur. Bill Richardson's record speaks for itself: even in the most hostile situations, he gets the job done right. The United States no longer can afford on-the-job diplomatic training and needs a President with the kind of international experience that only Bill Richardson has."

The ad is the latest in a series of spots that have spread Governor Richardson's message to voters around the country. Richardson steadily has climbed in the polls in the early caucus state of Iowa and early primary state of New Hampshire. Governor Richardson registers double-digit support in both the recent ARG Iowa and Rasmussen New Hampshire polls.

Richardson Campaign Has Raised $18.7 Million

Richardson Campaign Has Raised $18.7 million
Campaign well positioned for competitive final push

SANTA FE, NM- Democratic Presidential Candidate Governor Bill Richardson's campaign filed its third quarter financial report with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) this evening. The report shows the Governor continues to receive significant grassroots support and is well positioned heading into the final months before the primaries and caucuses begin.

The Richardson campaign's FEC report shows the campaign raised more than $5.2 million in the third quarter, with a total of nearly $18.7 raised over the first three quarters of 2007. The campaign has nearly $6 million cash on hand.

"Governor Richardson is running an energetic, lean-and-mean grassroots campaign and we're pleased with the strong financial support we continue to receive," said Amanda Cooper, the Governor's deputy campaign manager. "We're especially excited that more than 22,000 people contributed $200 or less- our grassroots support is growing and those donors can contribute more going forward."

Governor Richardson is the only major candidate calling for the United States to withdraw all troops from Iraq with no residual forces. "That message is resonating with voters across the country and is a real point of difference," added Ms. Cooper. "The other major candidates would all leave thousands of residual troops in Iraq for years- they won't even commit to ending the war by the end of their first term. Governor Richardson would get all US forces out of Iraq by the end of his first year in office."

The Governor has also proposed comprehensive plans to make the US energy independent, to provide universal health coverage for all Americans, and to dramatically improve the nation's education system.

Having served as a Congressman, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Secretary of Energy, and now as two-term Governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson has a real record of accomplishment and offers both the change and experience America needs in its next President.

Richardson for President Campaign Adds South Carolina Co-Chairperson

Richardson for President Campaign Adds South Carolina Co-Chairperson
State Representative Ken Kennedy joins campaign, former Congressman Butler Derrick endorses Richardson

COLUMBIA, SC-- Today the Richardson for President campaign named State Representative Ken Kennedy (D- Williamsburg) as a co-chairperson of its South Carolina Steering Committee. Kennedy has represented Williamsburg County in the state legislature since 1991 and currently serves on the Ways and Means Committee.

Representative Kennedy cited diplomatic experience and a no-nonsense plan to end the war in Iraq as primary reasons why he supports Governor Richardson.

"Bill Richardson is the only major candidate who understands that we cannot leave our troops in harm's way in Iraq any longer," Kennedy said. "As a sitting governor and world-renowned diplomat, I know that Bill Richardson has the experience to get our country back on track. I am proud to join the Richardson team and look forward to increasing support for Governor Richardson around South Carolina."

As part of the Richardson for President campaign's growing momentum around the country, former United States Representative Butler Derrick announced his support for Governor Richardson.

"I have known Bill Richardson for a long time," Derrick said. "I served with him in Congress and have admired his career. He has been a legislator, a diplomat, a cabinet secretary, and he has run a state. There is no other candidate in this race with his breadth of experience. He is perfectly suited to lead our nation in these difficult times."

Richardson commented on his campaign's growing presence in South Carolina.

"I am honored to have the support of Representative Kennedy and Congressman Derrick," Governor Richardson said. "People around the country are hearing my message of change and experience, and it is starting to resonate. I look forward to continuing my rise in the polls in South Carolina with the help of these distinguished gentlemen."