I've read many comments this evening about where Bill Richardson's supporters will go.
From the firm "Oh, its gotta be Hillary"..to the "He made a deal with Obama"..and a few in between.
With the West coming into play his influence, and that of many of his supporters, is of particular interest to other campaigns.
Sooo....
As a Richardson supporter who also knows many of "Big Bill's" other influential supporters I can tell you, with a firm belief, that it won't be an easy read.
Those who think Clinton will be the obvious beneficiary..maybe not so much. Remember if we had wanted to support Clinton and thought that Bill Richardson was cut in her same mold, we would have already gone there and cut out the middleman. Didn't do that.
For those who think Obama...or Edwards. You may be a little closer than you realize.
Bill Richardson, despite all the heat he took here, most of which I attribute to his lack of netroots support and his lackluster performance in the debates, represents new ideas, connection with people, and a history of getting things done.
He is, to me, a balance of "Experience" and "Change". Is he progressive enough? If you think Udall decided to run for our Senate seat without Richardson's encouragement and blessing you are a fool.
Does he understand that business still has to thrive in a progressive environment? Absolutely. One of the reasons why my husband, a corporate officer who had never supported a Democratic candidate for President before, flew to New Hampshire to speak to groups on his behalf.
Bill Richardson believes the common interest..not "them"..or "us"..but we matters. Richardson gathered an independent group around him. Remember that he often challenged Edwards regarding fundraising. We will put our money where his mouth is. That being said, regardless of who (and this is also an "if") Richardson endorses recognize that we are an independent group..used to our voices being our own.
So where do we go? I'm not sure..I can only speak for myself. Give me a realistic vision of the future, give me progress and a voice for all citizens, a way out of this war, the belief that bridges can be built..and I'll be there.