2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Governor Bill Richardson Releases New Ad, Praises America's Heroes

Governor Bill Richardson Releases New Ad, Praises America's Heroes
"Heroes" Ad Details Richardson's Efforts to Get Decent Life Insurance for National Guard Soldiers, Proposes "Heroes Health Card" for Veterans

SANTA FE, NM -- Only a few hours before this evening's CNN-YouTube Democratic Presidential Debate, Governor Bill Richardson's campaign continued his focus on the health and welfare of American soldiers with the release of his latest TV ad "Heroes." The ad will run in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Following closely on the heels of his previous TV ad "Stand Up" that highlighted his call for the removal of all troops from Iraq by the end of the year, "Heroes" details how Governor Richardson led the national effort to raise death benefits for the families of fallen soldiers.

As told in the TV ad, after learning that families of soldiers killed in combat were only receiving $12,000, "Bill Richardson passed the first law in the nation giving National Guard soldiers $400,000 in life insurance. 18 states followed his lead." The ad also notes his call for a "Heroes Health Card" that would allow all veterans to "receive health care wherever they need it."

"This ad shows how the Governor has long supported our troops and has fought to honor their service with meaningful life insurance benefits and a health care proposal that would make health care much more accessible for veterans who live great distances from V.A. hospitals," said campaign manager Dave Contarino.

Governor Richardson's TV ads, produced by Mark Putnam and Steve Murphy of Murphy Putnam Media, have helped lead to a rising level of support and momentum in the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire, most recently lifting the Governor into a tie for third with John Edwards in a CNN poll of New Hampshire voters, and even leading Barack Obama among the most likely caucus attendees in Iowa.

With Congress again unable to pass legislation setting a strict timeline for the removal of troops from Iraq, Governor Richardson also continues to set himself apart from the other top four Democrats with the strongest message on Iraq.

"We need to remove all American troops from Iraq by the end of the year," Governor Richardson said today. "The American people want us out. The Iraqi people want us out. But some people in Washington have voted to leave troops in Iraq indefinitely. I think that's wrong."

The Richardson campaign also hinted that tonight's debate telecast would feature a preview of another Richardson TV ad that is slated to run in the near future.

"The Governor is running an aggressive campaign built on substance, passion and humor," said Contarino. "We think tonight's debate performance and accompanying video will continue to show the breadth of the Governor's message and appeal. It's time for the rest of the country to see what many Iowa and New Hampshire voters already know - that Governor Richardson is the most substantive and qualified candidate in the race, but that he also doesn't take himself too seriously. Stay tuned and watch the debate this evening to see the story."

Richardson Campaign Announces South Carolina Steering Committee

Richardson Campaign Announces South Carolina Steering Committee

SANTA FE, NM -- Today, Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson announced the formation of his South Carolina steering committee. The committee includes elected officials, Democratic activists, members of the business and professional community, and community leaders from around the state. The committee will act as a base of support for Richardson's campaign throughout the state of South Carolina.

"I am honored to have the support of so many esteemed members of the South Carolina community," said Governor Richardson. "They have been leaders in this state, and I know that with their support, we can achieve real change."

Governor Richardson's South Carolina campaign will be co-chaired by State Representative Fletcher Smith and Former South Carolina Comptroller General Jim Lander.

"I am honored to be a Co-Chair for Governor Richardson," said Representative Fletcher Smith. "With his unparalleled record of achievement both in New Mexico, creating jobs, expanding the economy and cutting taxes; and on the national and international levels, reopening negotiations in North Korea, rescuing American hostages and receiving four Nobel Peace Prize nominations, I know he will make a great president. Governor Richardson is a true leader who works hard for Americans and represents South Carolina values and will continue to do that as President."

"Governor Richardson has spent the last several decades honing his skills as a leader. I support Governor Richardson because I know that his vast experience far outshines other candidates and that he will use it effectively for the good of the United States and the world," said Former Comptroller General Jim Lander.

Richardson for President South Carolina Steering Committee:

Fletcher Smith, State Representative, Greenville, Co-Chair
Jim Lander, Former SC Comptroller General, Newberry, Co-Chair
Ken Holland, Former US Congressman, Gaffney
Diane Aghapour, Former Charleston County Democratic Party Chair, Charleston
David Adams, Richland County Treasurer, Columbia
A.J. Glover, Dorchester County Democratic Party Chair, Summerville
Dell Isham, Former Director of the SC Sierra Club, Columbia
Dr. Hunter Stokes, Florence
Robert Burton, Former nominee for SC Adjutant General, Mt. Pleasant
Diana Salazar, Community Leader, North Charleston

New Bill Richardson Ad Airing In Iowa

New Bill Richardson Ad Calls For All US Troops Out of Iraq
Airing in Iowa, Ad calls on Congress to Stand Up to the President and Get All US Troops Out Now 

SANTA FE, NM -- Today, Governor Bill Richardson's Presidential campaign went on air in Iowa with a timely new television ad titled "Stand Up". In the ad Governor Richardson reiterates his call to get all US troops out of Iraq and for Congress to stand up to President Bush. 

"Governor Richardson knows all too well the pain of the families of fallen soldiers and the human toll the war is taking on our communities and our country. The Governor's own state of New Mexico has lost 31 soldiers. Iowa has lost 45 soldiers," said Richardson campaign manager Dave Contarino. "Congress must stand up to a President who has put our brave military men and women in an impossible situation refereeing a civil war. Our troops are targets- viewed as occupiers. If George Bush doesn't get them out, as President, Bill Richardson will. Every last one of them. These commercials reinforce that point." 

The commercial began running today on broadcast affiliates and cable systems in Iowa, and were produced by Steve Murphy and Mark Putnam of Murphy Putnam Media in Alexandria, Virginia.

SCRIPT
I’m Bill Richardson … and here in New Mexico, we’ve lost too many soldiers in Iraq … just like Iowa and every other state.
We have to end this war now.
The one thing the Iraqis agree on is they want us to leave.
Our troops have done everything we’ve asked and I don’t want to see any more die.
I approved this message because Congress has to stand up to this president. We need to get all of our troops out of Iraq. George Bush won’t do that. But I will

Governor Bill Richardson Moves Past Edwards In New Hampshire

Governor Bill Richardson Moves Past Edwards into Top Tier in New Hampshire
Latest CNN/WMUR/UNH poll shows Richardson campaign continues to gain momentum

MANCHESTER, NH -- Governor Bill Richardson has moved past John Edwards into the top tier of Democratic Presidential primary candidates in New Hampshire according to the latest CNN/WMUR-TV poll released today.

"Voters are learning who Bill Richardson is and are hearing his message and we're very pleased with the position of the campaign," said Dave Contarino, Governor Richardson's campaign manager. "In February 2007, at the beginning of this campaign, Bill Richardson was tied for 6th place at 1% in this poll. To be in double digits in 3rd Place at this point demonstrates genuine momentum."

The latest poll results:  July 2007 June 2007
Hillary Clinton 36% 39%
Barack Obama 27% 24%
Bill Richardson 11% 11%
John Edwards 9% 14%
Joe Biden 4% 5%
Dennis Kucinich 3% 2%
Chris Dodd * *
Gravel * *
Someone else 0% 3%
No opinion 9% 2%

The poll was conducted July 9-17 by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center and has a margin of error of +5.5%.

"The polls reflect what we have believed all along- voters are taking their time getting to know the candidates and where they stand on the important issues," added Contarino. "We're confident that as people hear about the Governor's plan to get the US out of Iraq with no residual troops, his innovative and detailed plan to provide universal health care to all Americans without raising taxes, and his bold initiative to fight global warming and make the US energy independent he will continue to move up."

Bill Richardson Announces Women For Richardson

Governor Bill Richardson Announces Women for Richardson, Releases Platform on Women's Issues

CONCORD, NH -- Governor Bill Richardson today announced the formation of Women for Richardson, a group of accomplished American women who will advise him on women's issues and outreach. The group will be co-chaired by New Mexico Lt. Governor Diane Denish and Dr. Martha Burk, immediate past Chair of the National Council of Women's Organizations and Senior Adviser to the Governor.

"I have long been dedicated to the issues important to women in this country -- educating our children, expanding access to healthcare, creating quality jobs, protecting our environment, and defending a woman's right to choose," said Governor Richardson "I am honored to have the support of these outstanding American citizens."

Governor Richardson also released his ambitious agenda on women's issues, detailing how the Richardson Administration will tackle the most critical concerns facing American women today and demonstrating that he is the candidate most committed to improving the lives of women.

Governor Richardson is the only candidate that has explicitly committed to protecting Roe v. Wade in Supreme Court nominations.
He is the only Presidential candidate who calls for a Social Security caregiver credit.
He is the only candidate to call for disclosure of pay statistics by gender, race, and job category, so that women can see if they are being treated fairly in the workplace.
And he is the only candidate to directly address the number one concern of women in the last election, ending the war, by calling for the withdrawal of all our troops from Iraq by the end of this calendar year.
"I am proud to stand with Governor Richardson, just as he has stood up for women throughout his long career in public service," said Burk. "There will be no stronger proponent of women and our issues in the White House than Governor Bill Richardson. He is by far the most progressive candidate when it comes to the issues women care about."

In New Mexico, Governor Richardson has strengthened families by creating over 90,000 high-quality jobs, raising the state minimum wage, and supporting state labor unions. He has made fighting domestic violence and crimes against women a priority. He created pre-kindergarten for four-year olds, guaranteed access to healthcare for every child under five, and created a women's health task force. In addition, Governor Richardson was honored by NARAL New Mexico as a "Champion of Choice" for his lifetime commitment to defending a woman's right to choose. As President, he will continue to fight fiercely for women and their families.

In addition to his work on the issues, Governor Richardson has appointed women to top positions wherever he has served. Two-thirds of his appointees as Secretary of Energy were women, and twelve members of his Cabinet in New Mexico are women. He plans to continue appointing highly-qualified women to top jobs in the White House.

"As an American and a woman, I am thrilled at the prospect of having someone of such high character and sound judgment in the White House," said Denish, New Mexico's first female Lieutenant Governor. "It has been a privilege to serve with Governor Richardson."

In addition to Dr. Burk, Governor Richardson was joined at the announcement by other members of the Women for Richardson Steering Committee, including New Mexico Secretary of Education Veronica Garcia and Giovanna Rossi, Director of the New Mexico Governor's Women's Health Advisory Council. Also in attendance were New Hampshire Women for Richardson co-Chairs State Representative Tara Reardon and Amanda Grady, Policy Director for the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Together with Women for Richardson, Governor Richardson will continue to reach out to women across the country to join his campaign for a stronger America.

Governor Bill Richardson And First Lady Mourn The Passing Of Lady Bird Johnson

Governor Bill Richardson and First Lady Mourn the Passing of Lady Bird Johnson

Santa Fe, NM -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and First Lady Barbara Richardson today released the following statement mourning the loss of Lady Bird Johnson. The former First Lady of the United States passed away today at the age of 94.

"It was with sadness that we heard about the passing of Lady Bird Johnson. She was an extraordinary First Lady -- gracious, strong, and, above all, dedicated to the betterment of our society. Her early, public commitment to the environment was an inspiration to the entire nation. Mrs. Johnson's successful efforts to beautify Washington, DC, and her home state of Texas will keep her memory alive, especially when the wildflowers are blooming."

Bill Richardson's Political Momentum Continues To Build In The Latino Community

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's Political Momentum Continues to Build in the Latino Community

ORLANDO, FL -- Since announcing his bid to become the first Latino President Governor Bill Richardson has gained significant political support from Latino activists, political organizers, elected officials and senior officials from across the country.

"I am extremely honored and proud of the tremendous support I am receiving from the Latino community," stated Governor Bill Richardson. "As I travel the country and have the opportunity to talk with Latinos, my support continues to grow. This election is about empowering the grassroots to get involved in our electoral process. I am happy that the Latino population will play such an important role in deciding who our next President will be."

Earlier this week polls showed that Governor Richardson continues to build strong upward momentum across the board, particularly in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Richardson Campaign Names Alex Goepfert As New Hampshire Communications Director

Richardson Campaign Names Alex Goepfert as New Hampshire Communications Director

MANCHESTER, NH -- The Richardson campaign today announced the appointment of Alex Goepfert as New Hampshire Communications Director.

"I am very pleased that Alex will be joining my New Hampshire staff," said Governor Richardson. "Alex's experience and understanding on New Hampshire politics will be a great asset to my campaign."

Goepfert comes from a diverse background in political campaigns and television journalism.

"Governor Richardson is the most experienced and most qualified candidate for President," said Goepfert. "I am honored to be a part of the growing momentum of the Richardson campaign in New Hampshire."

Alex Goepfert joins a growing Richardson team in New Hampshire that includes State Director Janis Hahn and Political Director Daniel McKenna.

Bill Richardson At PBS Debate In Washington, D.C.

Governor Richardson Gives Strong Debate Performance at PBS Debate in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- At tonight's Democratic Presidential debate moderated by Tavis Smiley, Governor Bill Richardson showed again that he is the candidate with the boldest vision and the strongest record to lead America forward.

This was the first Democratic Presidential debate that the important issue of education was specifically discussed by each of the Presidential candidates and in Richardson's response he made it clear that as President he would make it a priority.

"This is the first time we've talked about education at any debate," said Governor Bill Richardson. "The first thing you hear is -- how are we going to pay for it? No one asks how we're going to pay for the war. I just want to state for the record - I am for a minimum wage for every teacher. And we have to make sure that we deal with the achievement gap we have in our country. One out of two minorities drops out, or doesn't make it -- we need more parental involvement, universal pre-school, access to health insurance for children, we have done it in New Mexico and we can do it across America."

In response to a question about race relations in America Richardson responded "Leading on the issues of race is about being authentic, about speaking honestly. Race is a major issue in this country and the next President has got to talk about it. Race is not just passing new laws. It's not just appointing supreme court justices... it is also dealing with bigotry and racism that exists in this country and I believe very strongly that the next President will not just have to pass laws to protect affirmative action, but will have to lead and speak passionately, dialogue among all the peoples. Issues of diversity for me -- as a Latino candidate aren't a talking point. They're a reality."

On Darfur:
The Governor believes that the United States must take the lead on international humanitarian efforts to fight genocide and injustices in Darfur and Sudan. He believes that the US must use every available diplomatic tool, including the possibility of the US boycotting the upcoming summer Olympics, to persuade China to pressure Sudan to allow UN peacekeeping forces into Darfur.

On Economic Disparity:
Governor Richardson believes that to close the economic divide we must start with education. As President he will build math and science academies around the country -- especially in underserved urban and rural areas -- so that everyone has a chance to gain the skills that they need to thrive in the modern economy. He will make sure that everyone has access to a college education and he will make sure that our technical and vocational community colleges excel at preparing our students for high-paying jobs.

On Outsourcing:
Governor Richardson believes our next President must restore this nation's focus on middle- and low-income Americans. Families in this country are struggling in an economy that is increasingly harmful to the middle class. Over the past several years, middle class incomes have declined and although worker productivity has increased, most of the gains have gone into profits at the top, not toward workers' wages. Real earnings, pensions and health insurance benefits are dropping, while the costs of living are rising.

On AIDS:
Governor Richardson believes our foreign policy in Africa should focus on directly confronting that continent's problems, starting with making sure every HIV positive African receives the full measure of life saving drugs, and women, the fastest growing group with AIDS, are empowered to protect themselves against exposure to HIV.Richardson supports distributing condoms and clean needles to at-risk populations and as President his administration will work to make sure that everybody in the world who is HIV positive has access to the medication they need. And he will encourage the formation of public-private partnerships to reduce costs and enhance access to AIDS medicine and treatment.

Bill Richardson Moves To 13% In New Iowa Poll

Governor Bill Richardson Moves to 13% in New Iowa Poll
Richardson now leads Obama among likeliest caucus-goers

SANTA FE, NM -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has jumped to 13% in a new survey of likely Iowa caucus-goers, a 10-point gain since March. He is the only Democrat to make any significant gains over the past three months. Among the likeliest caucus-goers (representing just over 40% of the sample - voters who attended the 2004 caucuses, voted in the 2006 primary, and say they are definite to attend next year's caucus) Governor Richardson has actually overtaken Senator Barack Obama and moved into third place at 18%.

"These positive numbers are exciting but not surprising- Iowans are getting to know Bill Richardson and he's winning them over," said David Contarino, Governor Richardson's campaign manager. "In advertising and in person, the Governor has begun to get his message out to Iowans and they are responding. The Governor is spending a lot of time campaigning across Iowa, shaking hands, attending community events, and wearing out the shoe leather listening to people. People are responding to the Governor's plan to get the US out of Iraq with no residual troops and his "man on the moon' vision for building America's energy independence and creating a new, renewable energy economy. Furthermore, Iowans know we need a President who is ready- on day one -- to reverse the damage of the Bush administration. Bill Richardson's record of accomplishment has convinced many Iowans he can be that President."

The poll of 500 likely Iowa caucus-goers was conducted for the Richardson campaign by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin and Associates June 18-20 and has a margin of error of + 4.4%.

Governor Richardson is now solidly in double-digits in both Iowa and New Hampshire. A CNN-WMUR TV poll following the June 3 debate had the Governor at 10%, as did last month's poll published in the Des Moines Register.

Here are the results to the question "If the caucuses were held today, who would you support?" (likely caucus-goers)

John Edwards 34%
Hillary Clinton 24%
Barack Obama 17%
Bill Richardson 13%
Joe Biden 2%
Dennis Kucinich 2%
Chris Dodd 0%
Other 1%
Don't Know/NA 8%

Here are the results to the same question, broken out among "likeliest" caucus-goers (representing just over 40% of the sample - voters who attended the 2004 caucuses, voted in the 2006 primary, and say they are definite to attend next year's caucus):

John Edwards 31%
Hillary Clinton 23%
Bill Richardson 18%
Barack Obama 16%
Joe Biden 3%
Dennis Kucinich 2%
Chris Dodd 0%
Other 1%
Don't Know/NA 8%