Richardson Exits the Race

Politics can be cruel.  So many people work so hard for months and months on a campaign, and then it ends abruptly when the votes are counted.  I supported Bill Richardson and am proud to have done so.  The Governor helped redefine the debate on the US exiting Iraq and pushed many other key issues including education and veteran's care.  He also reached out to and helped bring many Latinos into the political process for the first time. I wish him and all of his campaign staff the best.  

I am comforted though by the huge turnout for the Democrats in Iowa and New Hampshire.  Who could have predicted Hillary Clinton would have received almost twice the number of votes as John Kerry received in Iowa in 2004 yet would still soundly lose?  No matter whom our nominee is, the turnout is a great sign the Democrats will be successful in November.

Here is the statement issued by Richardson on his withdrawal:

It is with great pride, understanding and acceptance that I am ending my campaign for President of the United States. It was my hope that all of you would first hear this news from me and not a news organization. But unfortunately, as with too many things in our world today, it's the ending of something that garners the most intense interest and speculation.

I knew from the beginning that this would be an uphill climb. When I entered the campaign, it was clear that we, as Democrats, had the most talented field of candidates in my lifetime running to change the direction of our country. And in the end, one of them will.

Despite overwhelming financial and political odds, I am proud of the campaign we waged and the influence we had on the issues that matter most to the future of this country.

A year ago, we were the only major campaign calling for the removal of all of our troops within a year's time from Iraq. We were the only campaign calling for a complete reform of education in this country, including the scrapping of No Child Left Behind. And we were the campaign with the most aggressive clean energy plan and the most ambitious standards for reducing global warming.

Now, all of the remaining candidates are coming to our position. I am confident that the next President of the United States will implement much of what we've been urging for the last twelve months, and our nation and world will be the better for it.

There are so many of you who gave so much to this campaign. For that, I will be forever grateful. Running for president has been, at times, humbling and at other times, exhilarating. I have grown and learned a great deal from the experience, and I am a better person for it.

Also, because of your close friendship and support throughout the ups and downs of what is a very grueling and demanding process, I have never felt alone.

Running for president brings out the best in everyone who graces the stage, and I have learned much from the other candidates running. They have all brought great talents and abilities to the campaign.

Senator Biden's passion and intellect are remarkable.

Senator Dodd is the epitome of selfless dedication to public service and the Democratic Party.

Senator Edwards is a singular voice for the most downtrodden and forgotten among us.

Senator Obama is a bright light of hope and optimism at a time of great national unease, yet he is also grounded in thoughtful wisdom beyond his years.

Senator Clinton's poise in the face of adversity is matched only by her lifetime of achievement and deep understanding of the challenges we face.

Representative Kucinich is a man of great decency and dedication who will faithfully soldier on no matter how great the odds.

And all of us in the Democratic Party owe Senator Mike Gravel our appreciation for his leadership during the national turmoil of Vietnam.

I am honored to have shared the stage with each of these Democrats. And I am enormously grateful to all of my supporters who chose to stand with me despite so many other candidates of accomplishment and potential.

Now that my time in this national campaign has come to an end, I would urge those who supported my candidacy to take a long and thoughtful look at the remaining Democrats. They are all strong contenders who each, in their own way, would bring desperately needed change to our country. All I ask is that you make your own independent choice with the same care and dedication to this country that you honored me with during this campaign. At this time, I will not endorse any candidate.

Now I am returning to a job that I love, serving a state that I cherish and doing the work of the people I was elected to serve. As I have always said, I am the luckiest man I know. I am married to my high school sweetheart. I live in a place called the Land of Enchantment. I have the best job in the world. And I just got to run for president of the United States.

It doesn't get any better than that.

With my deepest appreciation for all that you have done,

Bill Richardson

•  It's about time Richardson got out.

  I wished he wasn't in the last debate. It would have been better with just Edwards, Clinton, and Obama. Richardson is always to nervous nilly for me to even want to listen to him.

  by rickyscorpio on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:27:25 PM PDT

  •  Is your comment

    really necessary?

    by journalschism on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:37:13 PM PDT

    •  This is a guy who

      claims he is a Red Sox fan and a Yankee's fan... I was so annoyed with him in the last debate, and I am not sorry to see him go.

      by rickyscorpio on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:38:24 PM PDT

      •  And what have you ever done, Ricky?

        besides rant on Kos?  Have you ever been a Congressman, a diplomat, a Cabinet Secretary, a Governor?  Have you ever created 80,000 new jobs, made an entire state the Clean Energy state, provide health care for kids under 12?

        Before you criticize Bill Richardson, get yourself a resume!

        by VeniceDave on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:59:14 PM PDT

        •  Oh so now no one can criticize anyone?

          And may I say on that note, how dare you criticize me. LOL, do you even see the hypocracy in your comment?

          I am a Precinct Captain in Illinois. I collect signatures for various local and national candidates (except I through out the ones for Rahm Emanuel, don't tell on me).  I volunteer my time on every election day (from when the polls open to when they close) as a Poll Watcher. I care about this nation and therefore can criticize or defend anyone who runs for political office, that is my right.

          by rickyscorpio on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:15:19 PM PDT

          •  oh, and I am a bad speller <eom>

            by rickyscorpio on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:16:07 PM PDT

      •  You could show a little decency

        Damn the man was for both the red soxs and yankees so yo trash him. You are not worthy to smell the feet of Bill Richardson let alone carry his shoes. I did not support Bill Richardson but I will be damned if I will let anybody trash him. We should all be grateful for what Bill Richardson has done for this country and the Democratic Party.

        by Lawdog on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 02:08:04 PM PDT

  •  Pfeh

    When your CV looks half as good as his does, you might be in a position to make a meaningful criticism of his leadership. Until then, keep your bogus opinions to yourself.

    by musing85 on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:55:03 PM PDT

    •  Profoundly anti-democratic sentiment there ...

      ... isn't it?

      by BruceMcF on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:33:32 PM PDT

      •  Neither more so nor less than

        in the OP's comment. Richardson spent over a decade in Congress, a couple of years as our ambassador to the United Nations, five years as a Cabinet secretary, and then went on to be governor of his home state. Maybe it's just me, but when someone with that kind of a record of public service stands up and wants to talk policy, I'm willing to listen. The OP says Richardson's too much of a "nervous nilly [sic]" to bother with.

        Which of us is being anti-democratic? (And which of us is being rational?)

        by musing85 on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:42:02 PM PDT

        •  I didn't say he didn't have the right to say it.

          I however do have the right not to listen to it. I have checked his website, read his issues. But, personally I don't like the idea of Richardson as a candidate for POTUS or VP. I won't miss Richardson in this field of candidates. I considered him equal to Biden. I was sad to see Dodd go, I was not sad to see Biden or Richardson go.

          by rickyscorpio on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:46:09 PM PDT

          •  And I have the right to say that you're an idiot

            because of that stance. Richardson was the best-qualified of any of the candidates for the presidency: he had experience in the legislature, in the executive branch, and in diplomacy. That he wasn't as cute/warm-and-fuzzy/rhetorically adept as some of the rockstars among this year's candidates is hardly a knock on his abilities. And if our presidential race had less to do with glitz and glamor, Richardson would've won it in a walk.

            Moreover, given that Dodd and Richardson scored within a point of each other when I took the Washington Post's blind candidate quiz awhile back, if you liked Dodd so much, you should have liked Richardson just as much. Biden, not at all.

            by musing85 on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:50:04 PM PDT

            •  A candidate quiz? From the Washington Post?

              And you call me an idiot? I prefer to look at the issues of each candidate, listen to them speak, go to their events, and make up my own mind. Just b/c I don't agree with you doesn't make me an idiot.

              Candidate Quiz, ROTFL!!!

              by rickyscorpio on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 02:29:13 PM PDT

              •  Indeed not

                Just b/c I don't agree with you doesn't make me an idiot.

                Correct. Your wilful ignorance, unwillingness or inability to read and understand basic English, and general asshattery are what make you an idiot.

                by musing85 on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 02:36:19 PM PDT

                •  I don't like Richardson so that =

                  wilful ignorance, unwillingness or inability to read and understand basic English, and general asshattery

                  Hillarious. Thanks Musing85. I needed that.

                  By the way Richardson still thinks the Soviet Union exists:
                  

                  by rickyscorpio on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 02:43:25 PM PDT

                  •  kudos to rickscorpio

                    good on you for holding your own and speaking your own truth.
                    
                    
                    ``````
                    peace
                    
                    

                    by peace voter on Sat Jan 12, 2008 at 12:49:36 AM PDT

  •  After my governor's withdrawal speech, the very

    epitome of graciousness, was it really necessary to be first in line with your meanspirited bullshit?

    I see you're in my home state. Kindly stay there.

    by LandOLincoln on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 02:41:19 PM PDT

•  I've heard his name mentioned

  as a strong VP possibility.

  by ord avg guy on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:28:52 PM PDT

  •  where?

    source please.

    I think that would be a horrible mistake. He may have experience but personally, I don't want to see him in the next administration.

    by rickyscorpio on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:30:22 PM PDT

    •  why?

      because he is a "nervous nelly"?

      Jeez

      by coigue on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:30:59 PM PDT

      •  Yes.

        And because I think he comes across as abraisive. I would prefer Russ Feingold as the VP...

        by rickyscorpio on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:32:46 PM PDT

        •  But

          Traditionally the job of the VP candidate is to be the attack dog, while the presidential candidate floats above the fray.  Richardson has on occasion come up with good zingers on the debate circuit.

          He's not going to be a Cheney, for which we can thank any number of deities.

          by Nina Katarina on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:36:04 PM PDT

          •  Richardson was my first choice

            he really is very good.

            by coigue on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:39:45 PM PDT

          •  The rational for selecting Richardson has more to

            do with governing experience and getting things done than delivering a state needed to win the electoral college.

            Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama are favored to win the electoral college vote needed to become president. They rely on all of the Kerry States plus flip IA,NM- both states that went for Gore and CO- state that has the DNC Convention. They get 273 ev. Since Clinton or Obama are favored to win. They will need help to govern and get their agenda passed and implementated. Richardson who served 15 years as a member of Congress has a close relationship with members of Congress including Pelosi/Reid. He is a former Cabinet Official- He will be close to Cabinet Officials selected by Clinton or Obama. Richardson is an experienced negotiator/diplomat- He knows how to be persuavsive.

            by NeKiPa on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:01:20 PM PDT

    •  I want to say it was on NPR this morning. n/t

      by ord avg guy on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:35:36 PM PDT

•  Shame.

  He's really a good guy. He is my second choice for VP.

  by coigue on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:29:54 PM PDT

•  Classy

  Now that my time in this national campaign has come to an end, I would urge those who supported my candidacy to take a long and thoughtful look at the remaining Democrats. They are all strong contenders who each, in their own way, would bring desperately needed change to our country. All I ask is that you make your own independent choice with the same care and dedication to this country that you honored me with during this campaign. At this time, I will not endorse any candidate.

  I wish more candidates would take this approach.

  by Free Spirit on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:30:12 PM PDT

•  richardson was a classy addition to the field.

  he's got skills which i hope will continue to be used on the national level.

  by campskunk on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:30:55 PM PDT

•  Thank you Governor Richardson for your

  past and continued service to this country.  You are a wonderful man and I wish you the best.

  by WisconsinJessica on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:31:51 PM PDT

•  just watched his speech

  on CNN, and, yes, it was classy and optimistic and positive. His exit might have a big impact in the Nevada caucus votes, too.

  by scotslass on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:32:35 PM PDT

•  Richardson is a Gifted Public Servant...

  ...and a good man.  Thankfully he isn't going anwywhere.

  by TooFolkGR on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:33:15 PM PDT

•  Really?

  I thought he'd stick it out through Nevada, or fold after Iowa.  Yet, if he's out of money, he's out of money.

  I was a supporter early on, but too many unforced errors put me on the fence.  He made a good effort, though, and I'm sure whichever of the other three makes it into office will have a place for him in their cabinet.

  by Nina Katarina on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:33:20 PM PDT

•  Nice Statement

  Nice statement by Richardson.  He's a good Democrat and I hope he's involved in the next administration.

  by Sicembears on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:33:52 PM PDT

•  Shame on CNN

  CNN showed the first few minutes of Gov. Richardson's withdrawal speech, and then cut in for their pointless "analyis." The governor has spent the last year running for the democratic nomination, I do not see why they could not grant him ten minutes.  Does this entire country suffer from ADD?

  by not a cent on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:34:33 PM PDT

  •  what were you saying?

    Wasn't there a Britany sighting or something?

    by N in Seattle on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:38:21 PM PDT

    •  It's unfair that Brittany's going to get

      legally committed, but CNN's producers won't be.

      by Greasy Grant on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:44:56 PM PDT

  •  They've got to justify those ridiculous salaries

    of their talking bobbleheads.

    by journalschism on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:39:00 PM PDT

  •  CNN always does that, it is ridiculous. n/t

    by rickyscorpio on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:39:48 PM PDT

•  Tips for Richardson

  and a Democratic victory in November!

  by Stephen Cassidy on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:35:07 PM PDT

•  What a classy, classy guy

  Dodd, Biden, now Richardson. The abject irony of our sorry political process is that three of the most experienced, qualified, affable guys are now relegated to the primary dustbin.

  As an Edwards supporter, I salute Governor Richardson for the humor and humanity he brought to the campaign trail and his past and present service to the country.

  Thanks for wisdom, the laughs, and the tenacity!

  by journalschism on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:36:49 PM PDT

  •  I liked Richardson's take on that

    This is the best field of candidates we've ever had (or at least in recent years, anyway). As someone said in a meeting I attended this morning, this was a case of a bunch of people who were all great, better, or best. The sucky thing about situations like that is that you can usually only honor one (or a small number) of them.

    And as I remarked at my blog last night, while our candidate pool just got a little less diverse with the loss of our Hispanic candidate, at least we had a Hispanic candidate in the first place--and we still have a woman and a black man. All the Republicans are cranky, rich, old, white, and male.

    by musing85 on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:57:51 PM PDT

    •  .

      This is the best field of candidates we've ever had (or at least in recent years, anyway).

      In 1960, we had Jack Kennedy, Stuart Symington, Lyndon Johnson, and Hubert Humphrey, with Adlai Stevenson standing by in case the others faltered. This Dem field doesn't quite measure up to that one, but it's the closest since then IMHO.

      by bwintx on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:36:56 PM PDT

•  Wow

  What a classy exit statement.  I thought he brought a lot to the table.  I think he always did better in small groups than he did with large crowds.  I appreciated how accessible he made himself at yearlyKos, much more than the other candidates.  He wasn't my choice but I did consider him for a while.  I admire much about him.

  by sobermom on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:37:51 PM PDT

•  Aw Man!

  He was my candidate since last summer!  I met him at YK2 and really liked him a lot.  He was wonderfully qualified and would have made a fine President.

  I guess my support is up for grabs now - anyone want to try and convince me to support their candidate?

  by Viceroy on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:39:21 PM PDT

  •  What were the main reasons

    you supported Richardson? What are your key issues?

    by cwaltz on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:53:45 PM PDT

    •  The war/occupation in Iraq...

      in my view, is the most important issue, and Richardson's one-point plan for ending it was his major policy selling point.  I also liked his focus on education, the environment, and bringing more snow to Taos so all the runs will be open and I don't have to pole so much (actually, when I met him, he denied that he had anything to do with the snow). I liked his diplomatic experience; especially as author/negotiator of the North Korean nuke deal, the first ceasefire in Darfur, releasing the "human shield" hostages prior to the Iraq occupation and I liked his energy stance.

      I especially liked his even-handed temperament, his ability to throw a curve and his driving speeds.  I liked the fact that TCU is now in the MWC with the Lobos and that he didn't whine about it when the Frogs plastered them.

      I didn't like it when he slimed all over me implying that I actually hadn't read his book and when he didn't take my question on the relative progress of the Border Environment Financing Facility as part of the side agreement on NAFTA.

      I kind of like that Gravel dude - is he still in it?

      by Viceroy on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:04:38 PM PDT

      •  Gravelmania

        Him and Kuchinich are both still in it. They are a little light on superdelegates but they dare to dream!

        I'm not sure you are going to get a good answer on Iraq most of them were for the majority of the campaign saying 2013(Ugh). I think Edwards is probably closest since he switched to saying that he'd get us out once elected and included ending the training etc, etc. Of course Hillary I think also has veered. I seem to remember a brush up with her over Iraq with Richardson. Only Obama has been resolute with what he sees as our way forward in Iraq(which can be considered good or bad). If I were to lean diplomacy vs. military might I'd give it to Barack. He definitely seems to return us back to the talking before acting days.

        On the environment I'd lean Edwards. (In the interest of disclosure though Edwards is the person I'm backing). His policy details really hint at a person who wants to make saving our environment a major plank of his platform. I'm not keen on Obama's coal to liquid or nuke energy. I will really miss Richardsons position on public transit(it was my favorite part of his energy platform).

        As far as even temperament that isn't my candidate. ;)You're probably closer to Obama or Clinton on that one. Edwards is fiery and fiesty.

        I don't know that I helped you any with any of my cliff notes versions of the candidates but I wish you luck. I don't envy your position. I still haven't picked a second choice if Edwards drops out. Anyways, I'm sorry that Richardson didn't get better play from the media and didn't give Richardson a chance to shine on his foreign policy experience(it would have required more than 30 second sound bites). I look forward to hearing his opinion and hope he still continues to contribute to the public dialogue.

        by cwaltz on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:21:51 PM PDT

        •  I'd vote for Elizabeth Edwards in a heartbeat...

          but her husband voted to authorize the unprovoked military invasion and never-ending occupation of Mesopotamia which was launched on the basis of baldfaced WMD lies and has now cost us 30,000+ casualties and upwards of $800 billion.  She advised against it, but he ignored her.  Of course, he's apologized for it twenty trillion times, but I don't really trust his judgment.  Sorry...

          Obama's my Senator, I like him and I've met him twice.  He's likely to get my vote now (in Illinois on 2/5), but I'm formally undecided in case some obnoxious polling firm calls me.

          But I really wanted Richardson and I especially wanted a chance to vote for him.  I guess he's still on the ballot here - we'll see.

          by Viceroy on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:37:53 PM PDT

          •  I understand

            It was an awful vote and it took me a bit of time and research for me to come to terms with it and try to understand where he and the majority were coming from.

            My pet issues trend towards domestic. I don't care for Obama on the environment or health care. I keep hoping he'll flesh those issues out some so I can come to terms with him.

            He seems like a good man though. I actually favor his position on international issues(other than trade)and diplomacy.

            Anyway,no reason to apologize. I too am disappointed that we really didn't get to hear more from Richardson, Dodd, or Biden. I will never in a million years understand the reasoning behind limiting our field this early on before we have really had a chance to get a substancial discussion of the issues.

            by cwaltz on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 03:10:27 PM PDT

•  A better man and leader than he is a candidate.

  He should be a part of the next administration's cabinet.

  by Geekesque on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:40:20 PM PDT

•  Thanks for your support of Gov. Richardson

  He is a good man.

  by tucsonlynn on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:40:37 PM PDT

•  Richardson was an interesting voice

  Too bad he was so rough around the edges---even worse than Dean.

  by BoringDem on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:46:25 PM PDT

•  You fought hard

  for your chosen candidate, Steve.  My heart goes out to you today.  No matter what, you fought for what you believed in.  You got in the arena instead of sitting on the sidelines.  For that you should be proud.

  Governor Richrardon ran an honorable race.  I disagree with him on some issues, but wish you and him well.

  by TomP on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:51:23 PM PDT

  •  Thanks Tom

    I even went to Iowa and volunteered on the campaign right before the election.  That was a great experience which I'll post a blog about at some point.

    by Stephen Cassidy on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:54:02 PM PDT

    •  You should.

      I went three times, but was not there the week before the caucus.

      Looking forward to your diary about Iowa.

      by TomP on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:57:40 PM PDT

•  Add My Kudos As Well

  A class act indeed..He campaigned as hard as any of them and, the two times I saw him in NH, did not pander or waver when asked his stand on any issue. Even when the answers were not to my liking, he patiently explained how he came to them. He brought humor, great experience in governance and humanity...three qualities that I thought would be  needed to repair the carwreck left by the present occupant, because if either of the two Dem front runners should win, this country is in for another stretch of rancor, hatred and partisan ideology..Thank you, Governor.

  by Herron Maine on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 12:59:53 PM PDT

•  I was a part of the New Hampshire Rally Team

  for Governor Bill Richardson; and we ended every rally with a theme from Tom Petty that had New Hampshirites literally dancing:

  Well I won't back down, no I won't back down
  You can stand me up at the gates of hell
  But I won't back down

  Gonna stand my ground, won't be turned around
  And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
  Gonna stand my ground and I won't back down

  The presidential campaign has ended but the message has not:

  On ending the senseless war in Iraq
  Bill Richardson won't back down

  On Universal Health Care
  Bill Richardson will stand his ground

  On Scrapping No Child Left Behind
  Bill Richardson won't back down

  On Creating Jobs in the 21st Century with a living wage for all Americans
  Bill Richardson will stand his ground

  On Creating a Clean Energy America
  Bill Richardson won't back down

  On a Foreign Policy Based on Diplomacy and Realism
  Bill Richardson will stand his ground

  by VeniceDave on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:01:52 PM PDT

•  Yes, absolute class...

  He's a guy I really wanted to support. His positions on a lot of things from energy to the Iraq war made a lot of sense to me, but I couldn't. I just didn't think he could win in the GE.

  Richardson may be one of our best examples of somebody who doesn't have the flair and aplomb to get past the relatively short process of attaining the position he is more qualified to hold than the more glib candidates who campaign well but may govern poorly.

  by PBCliberal on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:14:29 PM PDT

•  Stephen you handled yourself well

  Stephen - I'm a casual user of DailyKos, but your committment to fighting the good fight on DailyKos was outstanding. I think you should be commended. This campaign was made up of lots of folks as dedicated and tenacious as you. Thanks for your overwhelming effort.

  by Expat Teacher on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:16:42 PM PDT

•  Thank you

  Hey, Stephen, you and I had our differences in some comment sections, but I'd like to congratulate you on your hard work on behalf of Richardson. I met him twice, including this week, and he's a good guy - I do hope to see him in the next admin, maybe as SecState. Good job, Stephen, and thanks for your energy.

  by Transplanted Texan on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 01:25:58 PM PDT

  •  You're welcome

    Thank you for your reports as well on the campaign and advocacy for Biden.  We could Biden as the VP, particularly if Obama gets the nomination.  Obama will need someone with years of experience in foreign affairs such as Richardson or Biden to balance the ticket.

    by Stephen Cassidy on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 02:15:55 PM PDT

•  Very classy comments

  by someone who got whupped.

  by dfarrah on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 02:34:59 PM PDT

•  Richardson was one of my favorites,

  but for whatever reason he just did not catch fire.  I hope her runs for the Senate as it would be very sad to loose his abilities.  On the other hand he would make a great Secretary of State.  With all the BS about experience, it is sad that having a great resume did not result in more support.

  by mystic on Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 02:48:57 PM PDT