Richardson: The Diplomat

Governor Richardson demonstrated his strong diplomacy skills when he recently met with the Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez regarding the release of three American hostages.  These hostages are in addition to six whom were recently released from Colombia; the men were taken after their plane crashed in the country in 2003.  Bill Richardson made clear that he was not attending the meetings as a representative of the government  (he is no longer a U.N. ambassador); rather, Richardson decided to engage with Chavez and Uribe on request from the families of the three hostages.  Prior to his visit, Richardson discussed the situation with the Latin American musical artist Juanes and Colombia University's professor Aldo Civico.  

Does the name Robert Reich ring a bell? Robert Reich, Bill Clinton's Labor secretary, did as anticipated earlier this afternoon and announced his endorsement of Barack Obama. Is bill Richardson creating the wave of support for Obama? In other news Richardson said that the state needs to find a way to partner tourism with New Mexico's successful film industry. He addressed attendees at the Governor's Conference on Tourism on April 17 in Roswell.
"No Country for Old Men" and "3:10 to Yuma" showcased our spectacular landscape," Richardson said. The film industry had a $480 million economic impact on the state in 2007, he told the conference participants, and more than a $1 billion impact over the last five years.
James Carville tagging Richardson as a "Judas" for rejecting Clinton and endorsing Obama in the Democratic presidential sweepstakes has pretty much receded. But who decided to back Richardson from this blow?...His 94 year old mother came out and had a few things to say to Carville after he said that to her beloved son.
In interntional news, Seasoned negotiator Richadson plans to visit Venezuela next month to discuss the fate of three American hostages held by rebels in Colombia, said a U.S. official on Friday. Richardson was in Colombia last week for talks with President Alvaro Uribe on the U.S. defense contractors held since 2003. Hopefully Richardson has some luck in this matter.

Richardson's Endorsement of Obama

After his indirect endorsement of Obama in the beginning of March, Governor Richardson (also a superdelegate) finally officially endorsed the Democratic candidate on March 21st.  Governor Richardson revealed that Barack Obama's speech on race cinched the deal on his decision, for as a Hispanic-American, Richardson believes Obama "is a man who understands us."  After criticism by some Democrats over his decision to endorse Obama over Clinton, Richardson responded saying, "I am very loyal to the Clintons. I served under President Clinton. But I served well.  And I served the country well. And he gave me that opportunity...But you know...it shouldn't just be Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton." After accusations by Clinton aides of Richardson's "betrayal" to the Clintons, Richardson responded by saying he was "very close to endorsing" Hillary but changed his mind when her campaign became negative.  

Richardson Update March 2nd-9th

There is no surprise that Bill Richardson has not endorsed anyone for the democratic nomination. I guess he is holding out till the end to secure some sort of position on their administration. He believed that the run for president would have ended by this weeks primaries, but he was wrong. He thinks that the infighting between U.S. Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton, will only harm the Democratic Party in the general election. He has noticed that the election has started to become extremely negative and it is time for one candidate to step aside so the Democratic party can get ready to prepare for the major election in November. Well this could happen if Richardson decides to nominate a candidate, but I guess he will keep waiting like everyone else. On the other hand in a strange sort of way Richardson did endorse Obama. he said whoever has the delegate lead after tomorrow should get the nomination. Obama had the lead after the Tuesday primaries.
Richardson signed a bill this morning allocating $341 million for capital improvements statewide, including more than $7.3 million in funding to the region. He also vetoed $580,000 in regional project requests, including a $350,000 request for a Clovis communications/administration building.
Other than his normal Governor duties, Richardson has been working on making New Mexico the best state ever and trying to figure out who to endorse for the Democratic nomination.

Governor Richardson Update Feb. 25-Mar. 1

     Governor Richardson, although not significantly involved in the elections right now, has been busily serving his state.  On the 27th, Richardson took initiative and ordered a police blockade on a casino in New Mexico after the National Indian Gaming Commission found it illegal.  Furthermore, Richardson prevented an expansion of bureaucracy by vetoing a piece of legislation which would have a created a new Public Defender Commission.  He found the commission to be an "unnecessary and unaccountable layer of bureaucracy, which encroaches on the rightful authority of the executive.”  Among the long list of legislation he has signed this month, Richardson signed a piece of legislation which makes it easier for candidates to get their name on primary elections ballots through additional nominating petitions.  

     Since he has not endorsed one of the Democratic candidates, the questions that really remains is if he intends to decide at all.  It seems that since he hasn't done it already, he most likely will not be endorsing anyone. Especially since the governor has close ties with the Clintons and Obama seems to be the one pulling ahead, that seems like the smarter move anyway.  

Richardson Update Feb. 18-24

Governor Richardson is still busy running his state and he still has not announced his pick for the Democratic nominee. Ricahrdson called the New Mexico legislation the "least productive" legislative session during his six years as governor. Bill Richardson vowed to call lawmakers back soon for a special session. The 30-day session ended Thursday with many of the items on the governor's agenda left undone — ethics reform, domestic partnership protection, a stem cell bill and a regional transit authority for the Rail Runner were among the governor's bills that died at the close of the session. But, it was the inability to reach a compromise with the Senate on Richardson's universal health-care bill that has the governor calling for a special session. Richardson has a little debt from his campaign. Richardson's failed presidential campaign raised about $400,000 last month and repaid more than $700,000 in bank loans.
Richardson's campaign listed $390,870 in debts at the end of January, according to a fundraising disclosure report.
Human trafficking will be a separate, felony crime in New Mexico under a new law taking effect in July. Gov. Bill Richardson signed the human trafficking legislation into law on Friday in Las Cruces. Also, The New Mexico School for the Arts is one step closer to becoming reality after Gov. Bill Richardson signed a bill Friday establishing the statewide charter arts school.
The school still needs approval from the state Public Education Commission, which is responsible for granting charters. If approved by the PEC, the charter arts school would be the first of its kind in the state.
Mostly Richardson has been working on his New Mexico committments, but he is still being courted by Obama and Clinton. I wonder who he will endorse?

Richardson Update Feb. 10-17

On Tuesday, February 12th, the New Mexico caucus took place.  Richardson was "deeply disturbed" by the overwhelming amount of problems that occurred that day.  There were fewer polling places and shorter hours which led to ridiculous lines and confusion; the winner, Hillary Clinton, was finally announced on Valentinte's Day.  This week, Richardson also announced that the new action movie entitled "Legion" will be filmed in New Mexico.  This will bring the count to over 90 major feature films filmed in the state since Richardson took office as governor (adding about 1.5 billion dollars to the state's economy).  Furthermore, Richardson responded to his state's 2008 legislation session, focusing on health care reform.  He said, "I will not stand by while 400,000 New Mexicans continue to struggle day-to-day without access to health care."  Also, in preparation for potential emergencies due to recent heavy snow storms, Richardson has called on many state agencies to be prepared this weekend.  In addition, Governor Richardson's already "clean energy state" has made further efforts to battle global warming by signing a new bill that sets energy efficiency standards even higher for electric utilities.  

Richardson Update Feb. 4th-9th

The big question is who is Bill Richardson endorsing for President of the United States? Although Bill Richardson and former President Bill Clinton spent sunday night watching the Superbowl, Richardson has yet to endorse a candidate for the presidential race. He may be trying to secure one of those cabinet positions. He admires both candidates and beleives that he has gotten to know both of them very well. On Super Duper Tuesday he did cast his ballot, but he gave no hint to of which candidate it was for.
Although Richardson is now out of the race, he is still Governor of New Mexico which seems to be keeping him busy. Earlier this week he declared a state of emergency due to the heavy snow fall in New Mexico. The snow fall has blocked roads and threatened structures and Richardson even sent the National Guard to help with relief efforts. So far the damage has cost $750,000. Bill Richardson has appointed Brian O'Neill as the new executive director of the New Mexico Sports Authority. O'Neill had been serving as the authority's deputy director since July 2006. Richardson says he's charging O'Neill with developing a proposal for a multipurpose arena in Bernalillo County. New Mexico has still officially not announced a winner in their primary even though Clinton is slightly ahead of Obama. They apoligize and are counting 17,000 provisional ballots. Clinton holds roughly a 1,100 lead. Lawmakers are putting the finishing touches on a bill to provide $21 million for hundreds of projects earmarked by legislators and Gov. Bill Richardson administration. However, Richardson is threatening to veto the so-called junior budget.
Pretty much Richardson has been doing his job as New Mexican Governor, but everyone still wants to know who he is going to endorse.

Richardson Update Jan. 28-Feb. 3

     Although Richardson did not endorse a candidate this week (mostly likely the best choice for him), Richardson did watch the Super Bowl with long-time friend Bill Clinton.  Not endorsing was probably best for his own agenda, because if Richardson had chosen Obama or Clinton to endorse, he would have placed his possible vice-presidency  chances at great risk. Since Barack Obama has been pushing for Hispanic votes, Clinton could have greatly benefited from Richardson's support. It will be interesting to see, without Richardson's support, the results of the contention between the two candidates for the Hispanic vote in California on Super Tuesday.

    On the 28th, New Mexico Governor Richardson unveiled the state's new supercomputer, the world's third fast computer, which will be used in business, schools, and governments.  Furthermore, Richardson demonstrated his satisfaction with the Senate, who passed the Biomedical Research Act, which allows universities to conduct embryonic stem cell research.  

Richardson Update Jan. 21-27

Richardson is creating big news. He has been seen with facial hair. Yes, the New Mexico Governor is working on a beard. The last time he did this was in 1999. He says that it saves him 70 minutes a week. Despite growing facial hair, Richardson proves to be working hard. He has proposed intrastate air service which no other state has. He gave a New Mexico intrastate air service $5 million in state money to attract a carrier. Currently, they are in talks about this project. Also, part of Richardson's legislative agenda was passed in the house this week. This legislation gave gay and heterosexual couples the right to form domestic partnerships and to enjoy the same rights and benefits as married couples. This bill would offer basic legal protections to same-sex couples unable to marry as well opposite-sex couples, many of whom are senior citizens and people with disabilities, that choose not to marry for financial reasons. Gov. Bill Richardson has appointed Oscar A. Simpson III of Albuquerque to the New Mexico State Game Commission. Simpson is the public land organizer for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and has served as its president as well. A former state chair for ex-presidential candidate Bill Richardson who worked in the Clinton administration has launched a Web site highlighting Rudy Giuliani's first marriage to his cousin, Regina Peruggi. This was primarily done because he thought that this would prove some interesting information on Guiliani's character. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson met with Mexican President Felipe Calderón to make a pitch to position a major international rail project so that it benefits southern New Mexico. Currently, they are just talking, but are also working on many other projects that deal with potential natural gas cooperation projects. So these are a few things that the New Mexico Governor has been up to. Still there is no word on who he has endorsed, but we will see!

Richardson Update Jan. 14-20

Although no longer in the 2008 presidential race, Richardson continues to work diligently in his elected office as Governor of New Mexico.  On the 15th, he delivered his state of the state address, recalling that "Last year, working together we had our most productive session—We gave a tax cut to every middle-income family. We ended predatory lending. We passed dramatic clean energy initiatives. And we raised the minimum wage" and this year "my agenda is focused and bold...Energy efficiency, domestic violence, ethics reform, domestic partnership, and expanding health care coverage to every New Mexican are major issues facing this state and are the heart of my agenda."  Since his speech, Richardson has already shown his dedication to achieving his goals for New Mexico by signing a bill  that changes minimum wage, encouraging a bill that requires harsher sentences for domestic voilence offenders, introducing his HealthSOLUTIONS plan, and announcing the opening of a new Fidelity Investments that will open another 1,250 jobs.  Even after a loss, Richardson does not give up--showing his true leadership.

Richardson Update Jan. 7th-13th

January 10th, 2008 was a sad day for all. This was the day Governor Bill Richardson dropped out of the presidential race, making him the third presidential candidate to drop out of the democratic race and still no republicans have dropped out. In his withdrawl speech he thanked all of his supporters, the ones who had been with him from the beginning and joined along the way and most of all the people from New Mexico. Richardson and his main committee worked hard raising over $22 million with 68,000 donors and starting committee's in 36 states and getting on the ballot in 42 states. In his speech he also had nice remarks about every Democratic presidential candidate. He wishes them all the best off luck and hopes they do not resort to personal attacks to win the nomination. As of now, he has not endorsed any candidate for president despite rumors for supporting Obama.
Richardson fell below 5% and came in fourth in the New Hampshire primary past Tuesday and came in with just 2% in the Iowa caucus last week. For now, Ricardson will return to his job as Governor of New Mexico but will be forced by tern limits in 2010.
So what will be next for Bill Richardson? Could he be the vice-president nominee?

Richardson Update Dec. 31-Jan. 4

To further express his content with Pakistan's Musharraf, Richardson wrote an oped entitled "Musharraf Must Go" for The Boston Globe on January 3rd.  Today, Richardson actually received a call from Nawaz Sharif thanking him for his support of "immediate democracy in Pakistan."  Furthermore, Richardson created a new website entitled "The Difference On Iraq" which differentiates Richardson from all the other Democratic candidates on the issues of Iraq.  In the Iowa Caucus on the 3rd, Richardson received 7% of the votes in entrance polls, putting him in the top four.  Richardson responded, "Thank you, Iowa. Now we go on to New Hampshire."As the New Hampshire Primary approaches, Richardson continues to push for votes in the Granite state, kicking off his campaign on the fourth.  However, Richardson does seem to be picking up support, for on the first he received sixty-five endorsements from prominent New Hampshire figures including eight state representatives.  On January 2nd, Governor Richardson released an ad that responded to Hillary Clinton's recent ad evoking the question who is ready to be President?  He replied, "Bill Richardson."   On the 5th, he plans to attend the ABC News/WMUR/Facebook Debate.