The Nation: Only Bill Richardson Stands Out

SANTA FE, NM-- Presidential candidate New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's national press secretary Tom Reynolds today released the following statement on Richardson's water policy for America's future:

"As president, Gov. Richardson will launch a national dialogue on water issues affecting all parts of the country, including quality, conservation, efficiency and reuse. While certain areas of the country enjoy greater water supplies than others, Richardson in no way proposes federal transfers of water from one region of the nation to the other. Richardson believes firmly in keeping water in its basin of origin and of the rights of states to oversee water distribution.

"As governor of a western state, Richardson understands more than others the importance of protecting our water supplies. In New Mexico he has developed a statewide water initiative, he has created a statewide strategic water reserve, and he has created a water innovation fund and a water trust fund to invest in water conservation and production.

"As President Gov. Richardson will embrace a national water policy that will specifically help protect the authority of states and the rights of local communities throughout the country."

“I believe that Western states and Eastern states have not been talking to each other when it comes to proper use of our water resources,” Richardson told the Sun. “I want a national water policy. We need a dialogue between states to deal with issues like water conservation, water reuse technology, water delivery and water production. States like Wisconsin are awash in water.”

The positive choice is Bill Richardson, the candidate who has the greatest depth of experience, as a member of Congress, UN ambassador, Energy Secretary and governor of New Mexico. Richardson has for years been an inspiring leader in the fight against global warming. He recently signed into law a bill that requires New Mexico utilities to quadruple their use of renewable energy. Armed with the most aggressive plan to gain energy independence and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, Richardson would provide the crucial environmental leadership sorely lacking in the United States.

Bill Richardson is smart, likable and dedicated to the best of progressive principles. He would allow working families and small businesses to purchase healthcare coverage through the same plan enjoyed by members of Congress. He is the only candidate who has declared that acceptance of Roe v. Wade as established law will be a necessary condition for his Supreme Court nominees. While in Congress, he voted against, and continues to oppose, the military's disrespectful and discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. He proudly stands for equal legal rights for all families, including same-sex couples.

The kidnapping, disappearing and torture of people around the world, a trademark of the human-rights-abusing Bush Administration, will stand as one of our nation's most immense moral disgraces. As President, Bill Richardson will put an end to these abhorrent practices and help restore our moral standing among nations.

Bill Richardson, a proven consensus-builder, has scored significant diplomatic successes. He has the broadest experience and a genuine commitment to fundamental Democratic values. He is, indeed, on our side of the line, and he will be a President who will make us proud.