Challenge to Bill Richardson supporters! Post your guy's accomplishments!

[rinsd]

Yesterday I asked Edwards supporters to post some of his Senatorial legislative accomplishments. It went over quite well.

But I realize that may be a bit too restrictive so let's open it up a little.

Richardson supporters tell DU what your guy has done that either makes you proud or want to vote for him or anything that you just think is important for other DUers to know.

And please keep in mind this is supposed to be a positive thread about a candidate's accomplishments.

There are plenty of other threads to bash the various candidates in.

I am planning on doing one of these everyday. Tomorrow the Biden Bunch can have at it.

[Pawel K]

1. Cool idea. I will not be voting for him but he has done great things in our state

Our economy is up. Children healthcare and benefits for the poor are bigger than ever. New jobs are popping up every day. We are becoming the new Hollywood with many new movies being shot here. So I think he's a great guy with great domestic policies. My grip with him lies elsewhere but as you said this is meant to be positive so I'll leave it at that.

[Warpy]

2. I live in NM

He hasn't just proposed a north-south commuter rail system, he's gotten it partially built. Ridership increases every time gas prices do. As soon as the tracks reach Santa Fe, I'll be joining them. The right of way is already set and they're already laying track.

He managed to get rid of the regressive state sales tax on food. He made it revenue neutral, so it involved increases in other fees and licenses, so not all of us got a big tax break. However, it disproportionately helped the state's poor, and this is a poor state.

He has been keeping the energy giants from drilling in pristine and environmentally fragile areas with only small deposits.

He has courted and won a new industry for the state, a relatively non polluting one: the film industry. More and more films are being shot and edited locally. The latter is more important since the market for oaters has decreased.

These are just some of his successes. Like all governors, he's been a mixture of good and bad. Most of the bad came in his first 2 years when he was fresh out of DC and still staunchly DLC. Although he's still a member of the DLC, he shows every sign of shaking them up. A lot.

If he were able to run for a third term, I'd vote for him. That's about the best endorsement I can give any executive.

[Kelly Rupert]

3. His resume, of course

Looking for experience in Congress? He has fourteen years in the House.

Hungry for level-headed foreign policy? Ambassador to the United Nations and led successful diplomatic missions to Sudan, Iraq, Cuba, and North Korea (and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for each mission).

Want someone with a solid grasp of technology and infrastructure? Secretary of Energy fits the ticket.

Looking for someone with experience running an economy and working with a legislature? He's been an extremely successful governor with high approval ratings--he won his second term with 68% of the vote, a state record.

And in each of his previous jobs, I can give you a dozen solid successes he can point to.

[HeraldSquare212]

4. JFK was the last sitting Senator elected President.

I think that says a lot about electability, vis-a-vis the other candidates. Others appear more knowledgable about his NM tenure, so I'll just say that in addition to his executive experience, he's got the right position on Iraq.

[mmonk]

5. Here

1. Bill Richardson has been Governor of New Mexico since 2003. He was re-elected in 2006 by 69% of the vote, the highest margin in New Mexico's history. As a State's Chief Executive, he knows how to run a government and has proven that he has the leadership skills to do so successfully. He knows how to work with a legislature to get laws enacted. He understands the needs of States, especially their need for positive interaction with the federal government.

The state of New Mexico borders the nation of Mexico. As New Mexico's Governor, Richardson has faced the problem of illegal immigration and understands it first-hand. Yet, as his heritage is partly Hispanic, he understands all sides of the issue and is in the best position to arrive at a positive resolution of this divisive concern.

Bill Richardson has served as Chairman of: (1) The Democratic Governors Association (2005-06) (2006 was the first time the association had ever asked any governor to stay on for a second term); (2) The Western Governors Association (2004); (3) The Border Governors Association (2004); and (4) The 2004 Democratic National Convention. He knows Governors and politicians across the nation, and they know him and, more importantly, respect him.

2. Bill Richardson was the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (1997-98). He knows the value of diplomacy and is good at it. His diplomatic skills have gotten him nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize four times.

Bill Richardson's foreign policy accomplishments include: (1) Negotiations with the North Koreans, which resulted in that nation returning to the six-nation discussions on nuclear weapons development; (2) Negotiations with the President of Sudan and Sudanese rebels about a temporary cease-fire; (3) Negotiations that led to the peaceful transfer of power in the former Congo; (4) Negotiations with Fidel Castro (Cuba), Saddam Hussein (Iraq), President Omar Al-Bashir (Sudan), and North Korean diplomats, all of which led to the release of American prisoners; and (5) Brokering an agreement, after securing a military stand-down, for face-to-face talks between opposing factions in pre-9/11 Afghanistan; and (6) Securing safe passage for 7,000 Tajikistan refugees trapped in northern Afghanistan through Uzbekistan.

Unlike any other candidate (and our current President), Richardson is known and RESPECTED in diplomatic circles throughout the world.

3. Bill Richardson was Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy (1998-2001). He knows how to run a large government department and understands the perspective of Cabinet members. He is knowledgeable about energy and has many ideas on how to reduce the dependence of United States on oil and other carbon-based fuels and to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Bill Richardson was a United States Congressman for 15 years (1983-97). He rose into the ranks of the Democratic Party leadership as Deputy Whip. He knows how Congress works and how to get legislation passed into law and he has demonstrated that he can work well with other members of Congress of all political persuasions.

"Of all the resumes in the Democratic field of presidential hopefuls, Mr. Richardson's stands
out ..."
-Jeff Zeleny, N.Y. Times (Apr. 27, 2007).

" ... the most impressive resume in the presidential race."
-Concord (N.H.) Monitor (Apr. 6, 2007)

"Nobody on either side is as experienced and tested on the key issues of the day - foreign policy, energy independence and economic growth <- as is Bill Richardson>."
-Adam C. Smith, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times (Apr. 1, 2007)

" impressed our large crowd of ambassadors, journalists and graduate students with his foreign policy expertise."
-Robert Guttman, Director of Center on Politics and Foreign Relations, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Washington, D.C. (Mar. 29, 2007).

Bill Richardson] is the Foreign Policy Stud of the Democratic contest. ... is bona fides ... are unmatched by the other contenders."
-A.B. Stoddard, The Hill (Wash., D.C.) (Apr. 9, 2007).

" ... has the best resume and sense of humor of the 2008 Democratic Presidential candidates. ... Unlike his rivals, Richardson has a strong record of effective diplomacy ..."
IN magazine (June 1, 2007)


BILL RICHARDSON has BRAINS:

Bill Richardson is both well-educated and an educator. He graduated from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and got a Master's degree from Tufts' Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He has taught at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, New Mexico University, New Mexico State University, and United World College.

Bill Richardson's positions on the broad range of issues he would face as President demonstrate his intelligence. You can find these positions on Richardson's official web site - www.richardsonforpresident.com



BILL RICHARDSON has GUTS:

Bill Richardson takes positions he believes are right, not because they are popular.

" has not compromised and backed down under pressure from consultants. He is real ..."
-Minnesota Daily (Apr. 12, 2007)

Examples are:

Medical Marijuana - Bill Richardson is the first Presidential candidate ever to support the legalization of medical marijuana.

"So what if it's risky? It's the right thing to do. What we're talking about is … people in pain." -Gov. Bill Richardson (Mar. 15, 2007) before signing into law the medical marijuana law the New Mexico State Legislature recently enacted after his urging it to do so since 2002.

"Give credit. It's not something you do because you're going to garner great political support for it. It is a bit controversial."


-Thomas Mann, Brookings Institution political analyst
Gay Rights - Bill Richardson not only has taken unpopular progressive positions on gay rights, but also has succeeded in getting those positions adopted.

"n terms of actual accomplishments Bill Richardson stands above the other current candidates because he's actually pushed forward and implemented laws that have helped our community."
- Matt Foreman, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

"He's … been wonderful. He's kept every promise he's ever made to the community."
- Alexis Blizman, Executive Director, Equality New Mexico.

Animal Rights - As Governor, Richardson spearheaded the movement to ban cockfighting in the state of New Mexico, even though it was an ingrained institution with many citizens there.

He knows how to say he was wrong - While U.S. Energy Secretary, the federal government hounded Chinese-American nuclear scientist Wen Ho Lee and accused him of being a Chinese spy. Lee did plead guilty to one criminal count of improper handling of classified material, but his guilt did not justify the vigor of the attacks he got from the government. Unlike Pres. Reagan ("Mistakes were made"), Richardson admitted that he personally could have been, and should have been, "more vigorous in seeking fair treatment" in Lee's case.




BILL RICHARDSON can WIN:

To win the national election, the Democrats need to make significant inroads in the Rocky Mountain West. Richardson's nomination would guarantee that the Democrats would carry the swing state of New Mexico, and, because of his part-Latino heritage, would almost ensure that Nevada, which Bush narrowly won in both 2000 and 2004, also would vote Democratic. In addition, his candidacy likely would put environmentally-conscious Colorado in play. And, unless McCain is the Republican candidate, New Mexico's neighboring state of Arizona, with the continual migration of Californians and northeasterners there, might also vote Democratic. It is worth noting that two Democratic Congressional candidates beat Arizona incumbent Republicans in last November's election.

" Richardson has the 'prefect platform' for a national race. 'If he gets the nomination, he can win. He can bring all parts of the country together.'"
Spartanburg (S.C.) Herald-Journal (July 8, 2007) quoting State Sen. Glenn Reese (Boiling Springs, S.C.)

Inspired by his partial Hispanic heritage, Bill Richardson can re-invigorate the Latino Democratic electorate, which the Republicans have been courting and in which they recently have been making inroads.

Bill Richardson knows how to win. Not only has Richardson won election repeatedly himself, but also while he was Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, he oversaw the Democratic Party retaking a majority of the nation's governorships in 2006.

"Richardson made a good impression ... and brought out a diverse group ... 'e had a vast majority of Democrats, but also had Republicans and independents ... .. that means that he can draw across the spectrum.'"

Jim Watts, Chairman, York County (S.C.) Democrats, as quoted in The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C., July 8, 2007)


" is a reporter's favorite -candid, accessible and fun to be around. ... the candidate most likely to rise."
- David Brooks, New York Times syndicated columnist (Mar. 4, 2007)

" Richardson is so approachable and affable, he is disarming ..."
IN magazine (June 1, 2007)
"I defy anyone to name a Democrat better equipped to take Florida than New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson."
-Adam C. Smith, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times (Apr. 1, 2007)

Bill Richardson appeals to all ethnic groups, including African-Americans.

"I'm crazy about Bill Richardson."
-Congressman and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (S. C.),
as quoted in U.S. News & World Report (March 5, 2007).

Bill Richardson even appeals to some Republicans.

"Personally, I'm a Bill Richardson fan. I think he has the Bill Clinton touch with people."
-J.C. Watts, former Republican Congressman from Oklahoma, as quoted in U.S. News & World Report (Mar. 12, 2007)

" the only one of the Democrats I've heard who makes sense."
Rick Beltram, Spartanburg County, S.C. Republican Chairman, as quoted in Spartanburg Herald-Journal (July 8, 2007)






Email Us: [e-mail]
This is NOT an official Bill Richardson for President web site.

[mmonk]

6. And here

-snip-

However, if one were to ask them about their own accomplishments, the conversation might end quickly. There is only one candidate with real accomplishments and real experiences -- Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico.

He was nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize. He has rescued American hostages from some of the world's worst dictators. He was in Congress for 14 years. He was a United Nations ambassador and an energy secretary and now he's the two-term governor of New Mexico.

-snip-

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20070713/OPINION/707130659/1029

[Tellurian]

7. I agree, no one should short shrift Richardson..

So what if he makes piddly mistakes in the debate. His strength is getting things done. He's a very talented man and it would be a shame for all that talent to go to waste. I nominate him for VP...

[smalll]

8. Not a supporter, but he's an OK guy -- his biggest accomplishment?

Maybe just the fact that he has got so far in life - Congressman, Ambassador to the UN, Energy Secretary, Governor of New Mexico, and now presidential candidate as an Obese-American.

He should be an inspiration to alll those folks lined up at the drive-thru window at Mickey D's. :hide:

[seasat]

11. Funny you should mention that, he just spoke to the Obesity Society.

He laid out a plan to battle obesity as part of his health plan. He's managed to drop about 30 lbs while running for president. He said this about being invited.

I noticed that none of the other presidential candidates are here today. I know they may not weigh as much as I do, but I still think you should have invited them.

[seasat]

9. Heres some more

Here's some of the additional positions that he's held in addition to US Representative, UN Ambassador, Energy Secretary, and Governor. He was Chief Deputy Whip while in the house. He used his one-on-one negotiating ability to help get Clinton's tax increase on the wealthy passed. He's served as the Organizations for American States special envoy on immigration issues. He was chair of the Democratic Governors Association in 2006 and helped us gain 6 governorships.

His environmental record is the best of all the candidates, IMHO. He sponsored several environmental bills while in the house including one to increase the energy efficiency of federal buildings. While UN Ambassador in '98 , he spoke out against climate change before it was cool. He boosted appliance efficiency standards and increased research into renewable energy while Energy Secretary. He served on the board of the Natural Resources Defense Council. He implemented policies while governor that will allow NM to exceed the Kyoto standards and push them towards 20% renewable energy. He's currently working to block the slaughter of wild wolves under a Shrub Inc policy. Richardson has addressed water conservation issues and promises to make it a major push if elected president. He's regularly won praise from environmentalists and environmental groups (link and link).

He's got a great civil rights record. He's stood up for Native Americans throughout his career such as sponsoring legislation returning land to them and protecting their religious rights. He pushed through a medical marijuana bill where the state will act as the distributer. He's enacted legislation that grants immunity to folks that report or are victims of a drug overdose. He's put through partnership rights for GLBT folks who are state employees and came one vote away from getting a civil union law passed in NM. He also enacted a hate crimes bill in NM covering sexual orientation. He was honored by the HRC for his work on equality for GLBT. After major problems with NM voting machines in 2004 he pushed through a bill that requires paper ballots with an auditable paper trail and random audits and banned all electronic machines.

Then there's his diplomacy. He's negotiated the release of US citizens from N. Korea, Iraq, and Sudan to name a few. He helped restart the nuclear talks with N. Korea after * blew them off. He negotiated with Saudi Arabia to get them to increased oil production when the price spiked in the late 90s. He negotiated a temporary cease fire in Darfur. He just received an award at the Spanish Embassy in honor of his promoting greater ties between the US and Spain.

[Cameron27]

10. This turned out to be the best thread so far...

K&R for Richardson's supporters. Nice job!

[mmonk]

12. And here.

-snip-

Why is Richardson clicking? Against a field of first-tier candidates (Clinton, Obama and John Edwards) who don't mind savaging the Bush Administration's management of the Iraq imbroglio but who regularly fall short of proposing clear exit strategies, Richardson offers not just a résumé but specifics--and a sense of urgency. His TV ads in the early caucus and primary states identify him as the candidate with "the only plan that pulls every single soldier out of Iraq." As the contender with the most international experience--save, perhaps, hapless Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Joe Biden--Richardson says it is not merely possible but necessary to end the US military presence in Iraq and to replace it with diplomacy and targeted aid initiatives. Rejecting all the dodges of the frontrunners, Richardson argues, "If we are going to get out, we need to do it now."

-snip-

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20071008/nichols

[maximusveritas]

13. I don't think it was too restrictive

Supporters of a candidate should be able to come up with one legislative accomplishment. If they can't, there's either something wrong with the candidate or the supporters.

[mmonk]

14. One of the stories I like about him

was when he negotiated the release of Americans held for 38 days by Sudanese rebels. He walked into their armed camp with just a lap top. He gained their release. So he can face tense situations and deliver.

[HowHasItComeToThis]

15. I HAVE MY ISSUES WITH EACH OF THEM .....

BUT WILL VOTE FOR THE NOMINEE, WHOMEVER IT MAY BE.

[semillama]

16. The more I learn about Richardson, the more I like him.

If he doesn't manage to grab the nomination, I hope whomever does selects him for veep or a cabinet level position.

I have managed so far to not pick a favorite yet. I still like too of our many candidates to pick!

[gateley]

17. risnd posted the Biden Challenge today and included links to this thread

and Edwards' for which I'm grateful because in all honesty, I find myself focusing more on Biden and less on everybody else.

So I appreciate the opportunity to learn why you folks think so highly of Richardson -- and what great reasons you've given!

I agree with your assessment that he's an accomplished, qualified, and appealing candidate. If elected I would absolutely feel secure with him in the White House.

You folks did an exceptional job of presenting valid reasons, and I'm glad I had to opportunity to get to "know" him a little better.

So thanks to you, risnd, and Good Luck! :thumbsup:


Edited -- not only do I do an abysmal job of proofing, I also apparently ignore spell check when I turn to it for help. Accoplished? All better now.

[mmonk]

21. Likewise with your candidate and thread

even though Joe is well known. It's nice to read the things I haven't realized.

[Carrieyazel]

18. Richardson has executive experience as well as legislative.

He was reelected with 68% of the vote in a BATTLEGROUND state. Not an easy task. Being reelected as a Dem in a solid Democratic state is far easier.

He's made great strides in his state with solid economic growth, health care reform legislation, quality of life issues, making state government more efficient and working better for the citizens. And he's actually balanced budgets and has to deal with a state legislature.

But most important, Richardoson WILL win if nominated. He's likable and electable. Governors win, Senators don't. He gives you a big leg up out West. We need Colorado, Nevada and his home state. He has the best shot to win Ohio by far. He'll close it out on Electon Night, no more waiting in frustration all night long for that one last state to get over the top.

[seasat]

19. His ability to get things done is the primary reason I'm supporting him.

The guy is not a beautiful orator or a masterful debater but he is the best at moving a bureaucracy full of egotistical legislators to support his goals. To me that is very important when we're faced with important issues like the Iraq war, health care reform, global climate change, and ballooning national debt. Richardson has the best record of pushing through an agenda. He did it in the house, as energy secretary, and as governor. He doesn't compromise as much as others. He doesn't push empty nonbinding resolutions. I don't want someone that just sounds good, I want someone who gets things done.

Here's a link to an AP article that lists Governor Richardson's successful diplomatic missions. Here's also a link to a 1996 Time article on Richardson's diplomatic efforts before becoming US Ambassador.

[mmonk]

20. As they say

Bill Richardson delivers.

[saltpoint]

22. Horses. In addition to the foreign policy chops, the top-drawer negotiating

skills, the major creds on energy policy, a vast storehouse of world knowledge, the experienced hand at administrative/executive public service, and the strong appeal to many Hispanic voters, I like that Gov. Richardson likes horses.

Especially in contrast to a certain fake cowboy from Texas who's scared to death of them.

Richardson's got plenty of cred and is darned likeable as well.

[saltpoint]

23. One more thing in praise of Gov. Richardson.

Well, two more things.

1. For 6-8 years, we've had a president who cannot speak any language at all; a Richardson White House would feature someone who could speak two. That's an enormous improvement and a huge plus in the potential for re-establishing respect-driven relations with our neighbors to the south. A nod to Dodd here also, but Richardson's put the time in on the border.

2. For the first time our nomination city is a "Western" state. Tho we've held conventions in California, California is not out "West" in the way Denver or Cheyenne or Albuquerque are. If Gov. Richardson is on the ticket either as prez or veep, I believe the delegates gathered at the foot of the Rockies will greet the entrance of this "Western" govenor onto the nominating stage with skull-shattering applause.

It will be a very nice moment in American history.

[bluescribbler]

24. Ok gang, you've sold me

Richardson for President!!!!!

:patriot: