Richardson again says No

"Gov. Bill Richardson wasn't budging Wednesday on his pledge not to seek the vice presidency-- even if presumptive Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry comes calling.

    Billy Sparks, the governor's spokesman, said Wednesday that Richardson will stay in his current job through the end of his current term in 2006, and possibly beyond.

    "He made a promise to run for re-election," Sparks said.

    Richardson, a former congressman, U.N. diplomat and Energy secretary under President Clinton, has been mentioned repeatedly as a top contender for the No. 2 spot on a ticket with Kerry.

    Aside from his political experience, Richardson is Hispanic and bilingual, which could help win favor among voters in key battleground states, including New Mexico and Arizona.

    Just last week, Richardson himself vowed to decline any offer for a spot on a Democratic presidential ticket.

    "I'm staying as governor and running for re-election," he said."

http://www.abqjournal.com/elex/152581elex03-04-04.htm

I, for one, am going to take Richardson at his word.  So, I won't include him in future VP possibility discussions.  It's a shame because he's the only realistic Dem available in the southwest.