2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Richardson For President Campaign Announces Addition Of National Press Secretary

Richardson for President Campaign Announces Addition of National Press Secretary

SANTA FE, NM-- The Richardson for President campaign today announced that Tom Reynolds, currently the campaign's Iowa communications director, will become national press secretary, serving as a lead spokesman and day-to-day contact for all national media.

"As Governor Richardson's poll numbers and the campaign's momentum continue to increase, the attention from the media in Washington, DC and across the nation has grown exponentially," communications director Pahl Shipley said. "Tom has done an exceptional job in raising Governor Richardson's profile in Iowa and we know he can continue to do the same at the national level."

Prior to joining the campaign in April, Reynolds most recently served as the press secretary for Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee. Before that, Reynolds worked as the communications director for Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), then-Ranking Member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

"Tom is an experienced professional who will be a great addition to our national communications team," Governor Richardson said.  "I am confident, with his campaign experience and his work on Capitol Hill, that Tom will continue to contribute as we move forward."

Shipley said the campaign is looking for a replacement for Reynolds in Iowa and the state will remain a focus of the campaign.

"Iowa is critically important to Governor Richardson," Shipley said.  "Our numbers are on the rise, our support is strong and growing, and we plan to keep the momentum going.

Bill Richardson Responds To DNC's Decision On Florida Presidential Primary

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Responds to DNC's Decision on Florida Presidential Primary

MANCHESTER, NH- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today responded to the DNC's decision to penalize Florida Democrats, if they move their primary before February 5, 2008. The Governor issued the following statement:

"I understand that yesterday's decision was not an easy one, but it was it done in a democratic, orderly, and fair manner," said Governor Bill Richardson. "I am confident that over the next thirty days a final resolution will be agreed upon that will guarantee that everyone's vote can count. Ultimately, I believe it is important that the Democratic nominating calendar be confirmed sooner rather than later. As Democrats it is important for us to use our voices to discuss the very serious issues facing our country and our differences with the Republicans. Over the next 6 months, I am looking forward to taking my case of experience plus change directly to the voters."

Richardson Moves Up in New Iowa Poll

Richardson Moves Up in New Iowa Poll

SANTA FE, NM -- Governor Bill Richardson is at 14 percent, within striking distance of all three frontrunners, in the latest poll out of Iowa.

The poll of 600 likely Democratic caucus-goers was conducted by Strategic Vision between August 17th and 19th. The poll shows Senators Edwards, Obama, and Clinton bunched together at 23, 22, and 21 percent, respectively. Joe Biden drew the support of 5 percent, with Chris Dodd and Dennis Kucinich at 1 percent each.

"It's an easy equation for our campaign. The more Iowans that meet Governor Richardson, the more support we get in the state," said campaign manager Dave Contarino.

The poll follows Governor Richardson's six-day trip through the Hawkeye State, where he released his plan for jobs and the economy and delivered a widely praised performance at the ABC/DNC Presidential Debate in Des Moines.

"Governor Richardson's grassroots campaigning is paying off. Voters are seeing that Governor Richardson is the candidate of both change and experience," said Contarino. "We are gaining traction in polls across the country, and particularly in the early primary states."

Recent polls for the ONE Campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire confirm that Governor Richardson is in the double-digits in those key states. The latest poll of Nevada, by Research 2000, shows that Governor Richardson has climbed into the double-digits in Nevada, as well.

Bill Richardson Statement On Earlier Michigan Democratic Primary

Governor Bill Richardson Statement on Earlier Michigan Democratic Primary

RENO, NV -- Governor Bill Richardson, campaigning in Nevada, today released a statement regarding the Michigan Legislature's vote to move the state's primary date up to January 15.

"This continuing game of 'primary leapfrog' is not constructive and threatens to disrupt the entire process," said Governor Richardson. "I respect and support Iowa's and New Hampshire's rightful places as the first caucuses and first primary, respectively, in the nation, and I call on my fellow Democratic candidates to do the same. We'll deal with the remainder of the calendar when the dust settles."

Governor Richardson is also concerned that the scramble for early dates will negatively impact the Nevada Caucuses scheduled for January 19th.

"The Nevada Caucuses for the first time give the West a critical voice in the selection of the President," said the Governor. "This diversity is essential to ensure that Western values and issues and the concerns of minorities are directly addressed during the campaign."

Governor Bill Richardson A Winner at Sunday's DNC/ABC Debate In Iowa

Governor Bill Richardson A Winner at Sunday's DNC/ABC Debate in Iowa Richardson offers "Two for one," candidate of change and most experience

SANTA FE, NM -- In yesterday's DNC/ABC Democratic Presidential debate in Iowa, Governor Bill Richardson clearly showed the differences that make him the only candidate who offers both unmatched experience and the ability to bring about the change America needs to move forward. The biggest and most important difference among the candidates is their individual plans to end the war in Iraq. Governor Richardson showed he has the strongest, most sensible plan- get all US troops out of Iraq with no residual forces left behind, then use intense diplomacy to stabilize Iraq and calm the region. He also received an enthusiastic ovation from the studio audience when he stressed the importance of education reform and outlined his one-point plan for No Child Left Behind: "Scrap it."

National media reporting and commenting on the debate was highly complimentary of Governor Richardson's performance. A few examples:

Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post's The Fix said that Governor Richardson and Senator Obama were the two winners of the debate.

Click here to read the article.

David Yepsen of the Des Moines Register -- one of the two moderators of the debate -- agreed that Governor Richardson was a winner of the debate. Yepsen called this debate Richardson's "best performance" and said that "Richardson has been moving up in polls in Iowa, and Sunday's performance should help."

Click here to read David Yepsen's article.

Click here to read David Yepsen's blog post.

Rick Klein of ABC's The Note concurred that this was Governor Richardson's "strongest" debate performance. In his liveblog of the debate, he wrote: "Richardson is cooking at this debate -- he is coming across really, really well."

Click here to read Rick Klein's debate wrap-up.

Click here to read Rick Klein's liveblog.

If you did not get to see the debate,  you can find the full transcript here.

Governor Bill Richardson Highlights Experience And Record Of Creating Jobs In Two New TV Ads

Governor Bill Richardson Highlights Experience and Record of Creating Jobs in Two New TV Ads

"Focused" ad details Richardson's economic successes in New Mexico, Fourth "Job Interview" continues to demonstrate that Richardson is the most experienced candidate to become President

DES MOINES, IA -- Governor Bill Richardson today launched two new television ads in Iowa. The first ad "Focused" showcases his record of achievement creating jobs and building economic momentum in his home state of New Mexico and explaining how he will do it nationally as President. The second ad is the fourth in the unique "Job Interview" commercial series. The new ads come two days before Governor Richardson will formally unveil his plan on jobs and the economy during a major speech in Cedar Rapids, IA.

"Bill Richardson's success in New Mexico is well documented. He has the experience creating new, high-wage jobs, expanding existing industries, supporting R&D and start-up businesses, and building a growing, vibrant economy," said Richardson campaign manager Dave Contarino. "The Governor also has a proven record of fiscal responsibility, balancing five budgets, while cutting taxes and investing in jobs, health care and education. Others talk about it, he's done it."

Governor Richardson's fourth "Job Interview" commercial emphasizes the message that he is the only Democratic Presidential candidate with executive experience and is most prepared on day one to start the necessary work to get our country back on track. The ad touches on a number of the Governor's achievements as Governor of New Mexico, including his record of helping create jobs, balancing budgets and investing in education.

In the last five years, Governor Richardson has created over 80,000 new jobs. New Mexico's unemployment is at its lowest in history. His vision, his ideas, and his leadership have been integral in each of these steps and have paved the way for what is being called the "New Mexico Comeback".

Governor Richardson passed a permanent rural jobs tax credit to spur employment and economic growth in rural New Mexico. And while making New Mexico the clean energy state, Governor Richardson focused on the development of renewable energy initiatives involving wind, solar and biomass to help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and help the fight against global climate change while simultaneously creating jobs.

"For several years now, the leadership of our country has lost its focus on what is important," Contarino said. "People have lost their jobs, either due to a floundering economy or the outsourcing of jobs. Governor Richardson has retained and created quality jobs in New Mexico, when he's President he will do the same for the country."

The commercials were produced by Steve Murphy and Mark Putnam of Murphy Putnam Media in Alexandria, Virginia. In recent months, Richardson's message has spread and support has grown among Iowans. According to an American Research Group poll conducted in late July, Governor Richardson is now in the double digits in Iowa and within two points of Barack Obama among likely caucus-goers.

Bill Richardson At The AFL-CIO Presidential Forum

Governor Bill Richardson Strongest Candidate for American Working Men and Women At AFL-CIO Forum, Richardson details record on and plans for exiting Iraq, creating quality jobs and a fair economy, and universal healthcare

CHICAGO, IL -- Governor Bill Richardson demonstrated why he is the best candidate for working men and women with a strong showing today at the AFL-CIO Presidential Forum in Chicago.

"America should never have a trade agreement unless it protects labor," Governor Bill Richardson said. "What we need to do from now on is say, no child labor, no slave labor. We need to make sure there is freedom of association, collective bargaining, and we need to make sure that wage disparity doesn't exist."

Governor Richardson has long been a proud supporter of organized labor. In New Mexico, one of his first acts as Governor was to reinstate collective bargaining for public employees. He made the state's prevailing wage a union wage, secured the first public works labor agreement in New Mexico history, and presided over an economy that has created nearly 90,000 new jobs.

"As President I will get rid of all of the union-busting attorneys in the Department of Labor and at the Occupational Health and Safety Administration."

When the candidates were asked about how they would handle the threat of al-Qaeda, the Governor responded with the strongest answer.

"I will take whatever steps are necessary to protect the security of the United States. We can get the three groups together. We can have an all-Muslim peacekeeping force. Then we can focus on what really affects American policy - fighting international terrorism, reducing greenhouse gases, a measure to ensure that there are no dirty bombs and fission devices around the world."

When answering a question from an Iraq veteran, who upon arriving home found himself out of a job, Governor Richardson responded, "I would protect their pensions. I would protect their health care. As an Iraq veteran, when you come home, I will have guarantees to protect our veterans, support VA hospitals. Something else I will do for all of our veterans is guarantee health care, with a Heroes' Health Care Card that will allow our veterans to get care outside of the VA system."

Throughout the forum Governor Richardson showed why he is the best candidate to jumpstart the economy and create quality jobs for American workers. As President, Governor Richardson's Secretary of Labor will be a union member. He will protect the right to collective bargaining and support the Employee Free Choice Act.

"I believe I have the most experience in foreign policy," Governor Richardson said. "I represent change, experience, and electability. I believe that I would have the ability to bring this country together, to implement universal health care, and to heal the divisions of the Iraq war."

Earlier in the day Governor Richardson outlined his bold plan to deliver choices of health coverage to every American, without raising taxes, at a speech in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Richardson Campaign Outlines Bold Energy Plan In New TV Ad

Richardson Campaign Outlines Bold Energy Plan in New TV Ad. With Richardson rising in polls, campaign advertises plan that Sierra Club has called "much more aggressive"

SANTA FE, NM -- Governor Bill Richardson's campaign unveiled a new ad in Iowa today, emphasizing Governor Richardson's call for a New Energy Revolution.

In the ad, Governor Richardson details his plan for clean energy, which the Sierra Club has called "much more aggressive" than any other candidates' plan. 

"Bill Richardson not only has the best clean energy plan, he has a proven record of experience and achievement as Governor of New Mexico and Secretary of Energy," said campaign manager Dave Contarino. "He has made New Mexico the Clean Energy state with aggressive, effective policies and as President, he will do the same for America."

Governor Richardson encourages people to visit his website, www.richardsonforpresident.com, to learn more about his plan to reduce demand for oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and raise mileage standards.

"As Iowans learn about Governor Richardson's plans for clean energy and his record as Governor of New Mexico and Secretary of Energy, we are confident we will continue our steady, upward climb," said Contarino. "The latest polls show our campaign continuing to gain support in Iowa and across the country."

“Web Energy”
RICHARDSON FOR PRESIDENT 

SCRIPT
"I’m Bill Richardson … and on clean energy, a thirty second TV ad isn’t
enough time.

But my website can show you why the Sierra Club called my plan “much more
aggressive.”

In twelve years, I’d lower demand for oil by fifty percent.
Raise mileage standards to fifty miles per gallon.
And by 2040, reduce greenhouse gases by 80 percent.

I approved this message because it won’t be easy, but we’ve relied on foreign oil
and paid too much for gas long enough."

Richardson Campaign YouTube Debate Reviews

Governor Bill Richardson Called "A Winner" In Groundbreaking Democratic Debate
Governor Richardson stands out with strong plan to get US troops out of Iraq, his clear direction for US foreign policy, and his vision for improving education

CHARLESTON, SC -- Governor Bill Richardson continues to score well in the reviews from last night's CNN/YouTube debate in South Carolina. The Governor scored with voters and commentators with his plan to get US troops out of Iraq with no residual forces.

Governor Richardson also drew favorable reaction to his strong responses to questions involving improving education and rebuilding America's reputation and relationships around the world. Debate watchers noted the Governor's unequaled record of experience, his understanding of the issues, and his direct responses to the questions posed through users of the YouTube Internet site.

Governor Richardson tied for first place in the debate in a CNN focus group of undecided Nevada voters.

Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post's The Fix called Governor Richardson one of the winners of last night's debate.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/07/democratic_debate_winners_and.html

Governor Richardson is prepared on day one to be President and to handle the challenges facing this country, and his unparalleled experience resonated last night. The Nation notes that "The most meaningful [response], at least in terms of the preparation of the various contenders to deal with the demands of the global stage, came from New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a former congressman, cabinet secretary and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20070724/cm_thenation/45216923

David Yepsen of the Des Moines Register writes that "Chris Dodd and Bill Richardson gained the most...Richardson's affability and diplomatic background came through."
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007707240395

Here are just a few of the comments about Governor Richardson's performance from Dailykos:

"I love richardson on foreign policy. He knows what is going on."
by fatbyjhnsn on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:31:43 PM PDT

"Good Richardson Answer on Darfur. I think of him as the best foreign policy voice in the field."
by skidrow on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:31:48 PM PDT

"Richardson : NO Troops In Iraq!!! Richardson nails it!!"
by frandor55 on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 04:44:09 PM PDT

"Richardson gave a good answer on NCLB. His experience as a Governor showed there."
by masslib on Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 05:11:19 PM PDT

Here's what Jerome Armstrong of MyDD had to say:

"I think Richardson, more and more, is showing the strongest voice on getting out of Iraq..."
http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/7/23/185149/083#commenttop

South Carolina newspaper The State said that:

"Richardson was direct with most of his answers, refraining from pandering to the crowd and showing depth in his answers. An example was his layered response to a question about the federal No Child Left Behind law, which he favors repealing. His answer showed the only governor on the stage understood the issue from the states' perspective."
http://www.thestate.com/presidential-politics/story/126860.html

Richardson Campaign Statement On The YouTube Debate

Governor Bill Richardson Impresses Voters during YouTube Debate
Richardson Showcases Experience and Emphasizes Differences on Iraq War

"This is what I stand for: I believe we should bring all of the troops home in six months with no residual forces"

CHARLESTON, SC -- At the first DNC sanctioned Democratic Presidential debate in South Carolina Governor Bill Richardson proved yet again that he has the strongest position on getting all of our troops out of Iraq and again established that he is the most qualified candidate to be the next President of the United States.

"The lives of our men and women are more important than George Bush's legacy," said Governor Bill Richardson. "This war is a quagmire. We have to get all of our troops out now. No more politics."

The Governor was frustrated by the lack of time devoted to exploring the candidate's positions on the Iraq War, and other critical topics. "If we had more time we could have had a real discussion so people could see my plan is clearly different than the other candidates."

Governor Richardson's strong performance impressed a focus group of undecided voters in Nevada, who told CNN that the Governor was one of the winner's in tonight's debate. The group used dial technology that rates positive or negative input from users on a graph. The strongest positive reaction from the Nevada focus group, and the audience attending the debate in Charleston, came when Governor Richardson responded to a question about whether he would keep or do away with the Bush administration's No Child Left behind program.

"I would scrap it. It just doesn't work," said Governor Richardson. "The worst thing it does is it takes districts and schools that are not doing well, takes their funds away and penalizes them. If a school is not doing well, we help that school.

"The key to a good education in this country is a strong teacher. I would have a minimum wage for all our teachers, $40,000 per year, and I would emphasize science and math."

Governor Richardson also staked out his plan to restore US leadership around the world, helping to stop the genocide in Darfur, responding to homeland emergencies such as Hurricane Katrina, and providing universal health care to all Americans.

The questions for the debate were submitted on video by users of YouTube, a social networking Internet site. Many were presented in clever, unique ways.

"Governor Richardson clearly enjoyed hearing questions from people, not journalists or pundits and his strong performance reflected that," said Dave Contarino, Richardson's campaign manager.

Bill Richardson has spent more than 25 years in public service: as a seven-term Congressman, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Secretary of Energy, and as two-term Governor of New Mexico.