The Bill Richardson Watch, 2/25/2007

By THE NEW MEXICAN
February 25, 2007

http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/57528.html

From The Miami Herald and published nationwide via McClatchy News, a story pointing out that Richardson can’t take for granted support among Hispanics. http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/nation/16772531.htm The story serves to advance Richardson’s speech tonight (Saturday, February 24) at the Broward County (Miami) Jefferson Jackson Democratic dinner. The lead:

Although he says he is not seeking the presidency as the "Hispanic candidate," New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is proving a rock star among the Spanish-language press, and Democrats hope that his presence among presidential contenders will fire up Hispanic voters. "Still, his popularity is not translating into unified support among prominent Hispanic Democrats, many of whom have signed on with Sen. Hillary Clinton, despite voicing pride in Richardson's candidacy.

The dinner gives Richardson a chance to reach 700 party activists, The Herald points out, and many of the attendees don’t have a candidate yet. We’ll let you know how he does!

An Associated Press story also looks at the "Hispanic" issue, with the Broward County Democratic chair talking about how Richardson has to be able to mobilize the base. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/24/AR2007022400590.html) For many Democrats, the article says, a Hispanic Western Democrat represents the future of the party. The article appeared in the Washington Post, but Richardson may also get a profile boost by virtue of it running in the International Herald Tribune.

In that AP story, Richardson also gets some ink for his position that President Bush has to negotiate with Iran to stop its nuclear program. That topic is also featured on the site, Donklephant, which says that while Obama and Clinton fight over Hollywood money, Richardson is writing thoughtful editorials on real issues – Iran, laying out his approach to the crisis.
http://donklephant.com/2007/02/24/richardson-may-have-right-idea-on-iran/

The Richardson editorial he refers to is here. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/23/AR2007022301595.html) The piece also got kudos from the Daily Kos (http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/2/24/15563/8702), Mother Jones (http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2007/02/3662_bill_richardson_1.html), and the Democratic Daily (http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=5366),so far. A dissenting view on Richardson's foreign policy is at the conservative blog Macsmind. More reaction sure to come in the next day or two.

Bill on C-SPAN: Sunday night at 6:30 pm/9:30 pm ET , "Road to the White House" features remarks by Richardson at a house party in Hampton, New Hampshire from Saturday, February 17. He'll also do a stint as guest on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" Monday, 7 a.m. ET.


Richardson related links and resources: http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/47552.html#richardsonlinks

that one benefit from a Richardson candidacy, or even a strong showing in the primaries, is increased voter turnout in the Hispanic community. There's a lot of room for Democratic gains. Once someone is registered and has voted the first time, the more likely it is the next time around.

I like Richardson. I just have difficulty envisioning his candidacy catching on fire.

he's still actively involved in Darfur negotiations, and he's a sitting governor. There's plenty of room for him to insinuate himself in enough time for the crest of public awareness that a campaign is even underway.

IMO. He isn't an Obama personality wise, but I do think he is good. Lot's of experience too. Richardson took almost 80% of the hispanic vote in NM, so hopefully he could maintain that connection with hispanics in other states. If that was the case, he could win NV (if Kerry would have taken 12% more of the hispanic vote, he would have won it), he would obviously win NM, and FL and CO would be in play.

and a toughness which I think will take folks by surprise.