2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

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Congressmen Doyle, Ortiz, Green and Reyes Endorse Richardson For President

Congressmen Doyle, Ortiz, Green and Reyes Endorse Richardson For President

SANTA FE, NM - Today, Governor Bill Richardson announced the endorsements of Congressman Mike Doyle (Pennsylvania), Congressman Solomon Ortiz (Texas), Congressman Gene Green (Texas), and Congressman Silvestre Reyes (Texas).

"I am privileged to have the support of such honorable men," said Governor Bill Richardson. "These are outstanding Congressmen who have provided leadership in Congress, and dedicated their careers to serving their constituents and improving our country."

"Having known Governor Richardson for many years, I have always been impressed by his experience, ability, and sincere commitment to our country," stated Congressman Doyle. "Our next President has to be prepared to address difficult challenges here at home -- and re-establish our standing abroad. I'm confident that Bill Richardson is the best choice to lead us back in the right direction, and I am proud to endorse his candidacy."

"Bill Richardson is the best Presidential candidate to work across party lines to solve the very real problems facing our country," said Congressman Ortiz. "I am proud to be supporting a Westerner, who understands and has experience with the issues of energy, water, transportation and land. He can reach many segments of our nation; and he understands our relationship with the rest of the world, a very rare talent."

"Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with Governor Richardson and see first hand how his leadership has helped not only New Mexico, but our country," said Congressman Green. "Richardson has the proven executive experience and record to be President on day one."

"I have known Governor Richardson personally for 20 years and he is the most qualified candidate for the Presidency," said Congressman Reyes. "Thanks to the actions of the current Administration, our nation's next President will face many challenges. The American people need someone with Governor Richardson's qualifications, experience and talent to restore our position of strength and leadership in the world."

Bill Richardson Names Ed Romero As National Finance Chair

Governor Bill Richardson Names Former US Ambassador Ed Romero as National Finance Chair

SANTA FE, NM -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced that former US Ambassador to Spain and Andorra Edward L. Romero will serve as the National Finance Chairman for his Presidential campaign.

"Ambassador Romero is a true American success story- a successful businessman, dedicated public servant, Veteran, and a national leader on Hispanic issues and diversity," said Governor Richardson. "His extraordinary life is a tribute to his heritage and his personal character, and I am honored that he has agreed to serve in this critical position. In addition, his political networking and fundraising experience will be a major asset to my campaign."

The Richardson for President National Finance Team is led by Jennifer Yocham Poersch, Linnea Dyer and Colleen Turrentine and is based in Washington, DC.

Ambassador Romero served on the national finance committees for Presidents Carter and Clinton and Vice President Al Gore, and raised money for Presidential candidate John Kerry.

Governor Bill Richardson Jumps to 10% In Latest CNN/WMUR-TV New Hampshire Poll

Governor Bill Richardson Jumps to 10% in Latest CNN/WMUR-TV New Hampshire Poll
Richardson now in top tier - within 2 points of John Edwards

SANTA FE, NM -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has jumped to 10% in the latest CNN/USA Today New Hampshire poll of Democratic Presidential candidates- a gain of 6 points since April. The poll was taken June 6-8, following the CNN/WMUR TV Democratic Presidential debate on June 3.

"New Hampshire voters clearly are responding to Governor Richardson's strong debate performance- they're getting to know him and learn about his unprecedented record of accomplishment," said Dave Contarino, Governor Richardson's campaign manager. "The new poll numbers are consistent with what we see as we travel throughout New Hampshire and the country - growing enthusiasm and support for Governor Richardson as people hear his vision for America. New Hampshire is critically important to our campaign strategy, and the Governor will continue to spend a lot of his time there. We're right where we want to be - slow, steady growth in the polls and on goal with fundraising."

Governor Richardson also hit the 10% mark in Iowa in a recent poll published by the Des Moines Register.

The list of candidates in the New Hampshire poll includes former Vice President Al Gore who is not a declared Presidential candidate. When he is removed from the list, Governor Richardson's number increases to 11%.

Richardson Airs "Job Interview" TV Ad

Richardson Airs Third "Job Interview" TV Ad
Unique Ad Series Continues with New Spot Focusing on Global Warming

SANTA FE, NM - Governor Bill Richardson's campaign today released the third "Job Interview" TV ad in the series that has become the talk of the Presidential campaign. The spot features Governor Richardson making the case that, under his stewardship, "no other state has done as much as New Mexico" to fight global warming.

To view the ad, fact sheet and background document, please go to:

http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/content/askedyou/

"This ad was fun to make - watch the ending - you'll see why, but global warming is a serious subject that I think is critically important for the health of our planet. I think this ad communicates that in a memorable way," said Governor Bill Richardson.

Recent New Hampshire and Iowa polling has shown the Governor climbing into contention with between 8-10 percent of the primary and caucus vote. This polling comes on the heels of Governor Richardson's groundbreaking TV ad campaign - the first major presidential candidate to run humorous advertising in modern political history.

"We've gotten a tremendous response to both these ads and the Governor's record," said campaign manager Dave Contarino. "The excitement over the interview ads is clearly helping drive the Governor's rise in the polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire, where the ads have run."

In the new ad, Governor Richardson points out to the skeptical job interviewer that under his leadership, New Mexico passed tax credits for wind, solar and bio-fuels energy production. Utility companies are now required to produce energy from renewable sources, and he set tough standards to reduce greenhouse emissions. 

The League of Conservation Voters has praised Governor Richardson's environmental proposals as the most aggressive plan of any candidate for president, saying "Richardson sets the highest goals for reducing global warming pollution and increasing production from renewable energy sources." Sierra Club President Carl Pope said Governor Richardson's plan "raised the bar" in the fight against global warming, and is "much more aggressive than anything we've seen so far from the candidates. It is also significantly better elaborated ..." 

To read more of Governor Richardson's Clean Energy plan, please go to:

http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/issues/energy

The new commercial will begin running Monday, June 11th on broadcast affiliates and cable systems in Iowa, and will begin running soon thereafter in New Hampshire. The Governor's campaign commercials were produced by Steve Murphy and Mark Putnam of Murphy Putnam Media in Alexandria, Virginia.

"Asked You" -- Bill Richardson for President -- 30 second TV

[Governor Richardson in job interview setting] 

"Global warming is critical for the next president."
And no other state has done as much as New Mexico.
We passed tax credits for wind, solar and bio fuels.
Utility companies have to use renewable sources.
And I set tough standards to reduce greenhouse emissions.
President Bush doesn't follow the Kyoto Treaty, but my state does.
I can do all that as president. 

[Job Interviewer]
But what I asked you … was if you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? 

[Video cuts to logo and music sting] 

[Governor’s voice off-camera]
"I’m Bill Richardson and I approved this message."

Bill Richardson Coming To Minnesota

Bill Richardson will be in Minneapolis, Minnesota the evening of June 14, 2007 and the morning and afternoon of June 15, 2007 for fundraising. No word on if any public events are scheduled. Minnesota for Richardson supporters marched in the recent Cinco De Mayo parade. in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Bill Richardson NH Debate Statement

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.

Richardson Calls for "Clean Energy Nation" In New Television Ad

Richardson Calls for "Clean Energy Nation"
New Television Ad Touts New Mexico's Status as Leading State for Environmental Preservation

SANTA FE, NM - Governor Bill Richardson has begun airing a new television ad in Iowa focusing on his environmental record and highlights how New Mexico moved faster than any other state to promote renewable energy and fight global warming.

To view the ad, please go to http://action.richardsonforpresident.com/cleanenergy

"We've made New Mexico the clean energy state," says Richardson in the television commercial. "As president, I'll make us the clean energy nation."

"Governor Richardson has done more than any other candidate for president to pass wide-ranging comprehensive measures to protect the environment," said campaign manager Dave Contarino. "This ad shows the depth of his record and commitment to fighting global warming in a serious, substantive fashion."

Under Governor Bill Richardson, New Mexico has started requiring utility companies to produce energy from renewable sources. The state has invested directly in energy efficiency and is promoting renewable energy with tax credits for using wind, solar, and biofuels. Bill Richardson also led the effort to eliminate taxes on hybrid cars.

"Governor Richardson has the most aggressive environmental protection plan of anyone running for president," said Contarino. Within twelve years, Richardson's plan would reduce global warming pollution by 20 percent, lower demand for oil by fifty percent, and push fuel economy standards to 50 miles per gallon. By the year 2040, Bill Richardson's plan would require that 50 percent of the United States electricity be generated from renewable sources and would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent.

The League of Conservation Voters praised Governor Richardson's proposals as the most aggressive plan of any candidate for president, saying "Richardson sets the highest goals for reducing global warming pollution and increasing production from renewable energy sources." Sierra Club President Carl Pope said Governor Richardson's plan "raised the bar" in the fight against global warming, and is "much more aggressive than anything we've seen so far from the candidates. It is also significantly better elaborated...."

The campaign is introducing the new commercial in Iowa and New Hampshire while continuing to run the widely heralded "Job Interview" TV ads. The campaign's commercials were produced by Steve Murphy and Mark Putnam of Murphy Putnam Media in Alexandria, Virginia.

Governor Bill Richardson Honors America’s Veterans on Memorial Day

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Honors America’s Veterans on Memorial Day

SANTA FE, NM -- Today, Governor Bill Richardson issued the following statement commemorating America's brave men and women veterans.

"Memorial Day is a time to thank those that have served and sacrificed for our country," said Governor Bill Richardson. "Military service is one of most noble acts an individual can perform and we have an obligation and duty to support those that risk their lives for our country. In New Mexico, we have a proud tradition of answering the call to serve our nation and as Governor I have made it a top priority to return that support by ensuring that those serving in our U.S. military and their families are provided financial assistance and access to benefits they so deserve."

Richardson Launches Iowa Campaign Website

Richardson Launches Iowa Campaign Website

DES MOINES, IA --- Emphasizing his commitment to campaigning in the Hawkeye State, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s Presidential campaign has launched a new interactive website dedicated to its efforts in Iowa.

“This new website will be a valuable tool for campaign supporters to get information about Governor Richardson as he travels to cities and towns all over the state, listening to what Iowans have to say about our country and its future,” Iowa Communications Director Tom Reynolds said.  “Governor Richardson is going to continue to meet with caucus-goers and discuss why his extensive legislative, diplomatic and executive experience make him the best candidate in the field. Our Iowa website will help in this effort and will serve as a vital link between the campaign and the Iowa community.”

The website will feature information about upcoming events, video and photos from campaign stops around the state, current press releases and news clips relevant to Iowans, and blog entries from Richardson campaign staffers and Richardson supporters.  The URL of the new site is http://iowa.richardsonforpresident.com/.