New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson was in Cleveland today attending a
Ted Strickland event to discuss the potential of new energy sources to spur Ohio's economy. He was kind enough to set aside some time to talk to me.
The first thing I asked about was his outreach effort to the blogosphere. Gov. Richardson has been setting up blogger meetings in every state he stops in so he must think there is something to this netroots thing. He said that he believes bloggers are playing a bigger role everyday and are a very important part of the political process allowing more and more people to get involved. He also mentioned their importance when it came to driving a news story. Now, I would assume that someone who takes the time to talk to bloggers in every state he visits is going to run for President. But, he stated he still hasn't made up his mind.
I asked about his diplomatic background and what he would do about Iraq. He was very clear.
We need to set a timetable for withdrawal and work with the 3 ethnic groups, hold a Middle East Peace Conference and invite others to the table including the Europeans and redeploy our forces to the real threats to America: International terror, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Securing our Ports Our and our Airports.
Then I moved on to something that unites Ohio and New Mexico - the problems with the 2004 election. What has he done that Ohio has not and what would he suggest as a nationwide solution? He stated that New Mexico and 9 other states currently have mandatory paper ballots, that the 4% error rate on the touch screens is outrageous and he would like to see mandatory paper ballots become a national standard.
Gov. Richardson was always easy to talk to. I have read other interviewers describe him as the politician you would like to have a beer with but for me he was strictly business, very friendly but to the point. Which made me feel like he was a bit pressed for time. We did get to talk about one last item - the reason he was in Cleveland - Ted Strickland and Renewable Energy.
He started off by complimenting the Great Lakes Science Center and noted how great the wind power exhibit was. He said that the Ted Strickland TurnAround Ohio Renewable Energy plan is very innovative. It capitalizes on Ohios unique strengths in creative ways that will help make Ohio a leader in the new industry. He especially liked the TurnAround Ohio Clean Energy bond plan:
Ted Strickland will propose setting aside 30% of Ohios tax-exempt bonds for next generation energy production projects. This will make available to private business and entrepreneurs approximately $250 million per year in low interest capital for new alternative energy projects. This funding will be budget neutral and will not require taxpayer dollars.
In the national picture, Governor Richardson stated that his national Renewable Energy Plan would be to cut back dependence on foreign oil from 65% to 5% in 10 years through public and private partnerships, conservation, clean coal, vehicles ... but it would take a "Man on the Moon" type of effort and a President that is willing to lead. Will Governor Richardson be that President willing to lead? We'll have to wait and see - I sure would enjoy seeing his Renewable Energy expertise put to use for our nation.
The conversation ended after about 15 minutes, which was way more time than I expected - Thank you Gov. Richardson for your time and - Joaquin for setting this up. I hope to talk to you both again in 2008.
Crossposted at As Ohio Goes.