Richardson has endorsed Obama
Clinton's loss is Obama's gain
From Reuters:New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson endorsed Barack Obama's bid for the Democratic nomination for U.S. president, Obama's aides said on Friday, in a big boost for the senator.
"I can confirm that he (Bill Richardson) is endorsing (Obama) and that he will be at the rally in Portland tomorrow," said an official with the Obama campaign.
Richardson's endorsement has been fiercely sought by both Obama and his rival Sen. Hillary Clinton in part because as a Hispanic he is seen as influential within the Latino community, which could be a key voting bloc in the November presidential election.
Hispanics, the fastest-growing segment of the electorate, largely backed Clinton in nominating contests on "Super Tuesday," with exit polls showing her winning two-thirds of the Latino vote in several states.
Obama, a senator from Illinois, and Clinton, a senator from New York and former first lady, are locked in a tight race for the Democratic presidential nomination.
They have both sought high-profile endorsements as a way to bolster their campaigns. Both have also actively courted former presidential candidate John Edwards, a former North Carolina senator. Edwards has yet to endorse either candidate.
Richardson, 60, was energy secretary and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President Bill Clinton and served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1982-1997.
Richardson also ran for the Democratic nomination but abandoned his bid in January, stating he lacked the funds to continue after finishing fourth in voting in Iowa and New Hampshire.
A skilled negotiator and diplomat, the popular governor has been mentioned as a possible vice presidential candidate or secretary of state in a Democratic administration.
Obama is due to hold a rally in Portland, Oregon, on Friday at 9:35 a.m. local time (12:35 p.m. EDT), his campaign said. He will then spend the rest of the day campaigning in the state, which holds a primary on May 20.
Labels: barack obama, bill richardson
posted by John Good @ 6:04 AM
2 Comments:
Richardson should have grown the beard before the election process began. He looks good and sounds presidential. I always thought he would make a great VP - or better yet, Secretary of State. How about this administration.
Richardson - S.o.S.
Edwards - Attorney General
Kucinich - Interior
and Gen. Wesley Clark (a Clinton supporter!) - VP
Just a thought
I'm surprised he endorsed anybody. This signals a big break from the Clintons for Gov. Richardson. As it very well seems that the Clintons will insist on a Floor Battle at the Convention, Gov. Richardson is crossing the Rubicon with Caesar Obama on this one. He could of sat tight at no political cost until the Convention, where as a Super Delegate he would of had to take sides. His timing was perfect for the Obama Campaign.
I, like Robert, would like to see Gov. Richardson in a Obama Administration. S.o.S. would be fine. However with the massive Hispanic Electorate, the old adage of the Northern Liberal having to choose some running mate from the South is turned on it's head. Hillary has a strong lead among Hispanics. If the Gov. Campaigns for him with vigor I think the effects will be good in the short term and in the long term.
My 80+ yo life long Democrat(she was a poll worker for decades) neighbor next door, Betty, favors Hillary. Her 1st pick was Gov. Richardson. I think a lot of Pennsylvanians like Gov. Richardson. He's a likable guy. There is also a good sized Hispanic population in Pennsylvania. A few points here and a few points there and Hillary's expected huge lead would crumble. The Hispanic vote will also be very important in the long run against Sen. McCain.
If Gov. Richardson does indeed Campaign for Sen. Obama with vigor, I think he will be the V.P. Which brings us to another long term plus, and that is name and familiarity with the voters. He'll double the charm offensive.
Sen. Edwards would be a good AG. I'd rather have Ramsey Clark though. I'd really like to see the Bush Regime (includes many a Dem) Pay for What They DID. From President Kennedy to the present day. Can't I dream?
I would rather Sen. Edwards be assigned DOE or National Security Adviser. He's a very good Lawyer. He's able to size up the opposition.
Kucinich as Interior Sec.?
Hell Yeaaaaahhhh!
Peace.
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