Is there a nicer and more genuine person in the Dem party than Bill Richardson?

[NJSecularist]

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/29/richardsons_choice.html

As the highest-ranking Hispanic in the Democratic Party, Richardson's endorsement is being aggressively sought by the Clinton and Obama campaigns. California, Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico are among the 22 states voting next week, and each have sizable Hispanic electorates. Richardson, who cruised to re-election as New Mexico governor in 2006, is a popular figure in the Hispanic community.

Richardson's torn. He served in the Clinton White House, first as ambassador to the United Nations, then as Clinton's Secretary of Energy. "I have a history with the Clintons," Richardson said. "And I've always liked her. She always seems very genuine." But Richardson considers Kennedy, who's long been respected by Hispanics, as "a mentor." In 1982, when Richardson ran for Congress for the second time -- he lost two years before -- Kennedy flew to Santa Fe and campaigned for him. "That might have been the reason I was elected," Richardson said. And he said he likes Obama, telling a story about how Obama saved him during one of last year's Democratic debates:

"I had just been asked a question -- I don't remember which one -- and Obama was sitting right next to me. Then the moderator went across the room, I think to Chris Dodd, so I thought I was home free for a while. I wasn't going to listen to the next question. I was about to say something to Obama when the moderator turned to me and said, 'So, Gov. Richardson, what do you think of that?' But I wasn't paying any attention! I was about to say, 'Could you repeat the question? I wasn't listening.' But I wasn't about to say I wasn't listening. I looked at Obama. I was just horrified. And Obama whispered, 'Katrina. Katrina.' The question was on Katrina! So I said, 'On Katrina, my policy . . .' Obama could have just thrown me under the bus. So I said, 'Obama, that was good of you to do that.'"

He is such a humble and genuine person. Too bad Bill refuses to engage in the dirty politics that have infested the political world, because he had a lot to offer to this country as a potential president.

[MethuenProgressive]

1. We need Bill to get back in the race.

[Occam Bandage]

3. You could start by emulating his positive characteristics.

[NC_Nurse]

2. I agree. I wish he was still in it.

:-(

Everyone I like always loses. Darn.

[LostinVA]

4. I loathe his genuinely bad stance on GLBT rights

[MethuenProgressive]

6. Barney Frank on Richardson's gaffe, and the whole story on Bill's GLBT rights record:

edit just to add link: http://www.bilerico.com/2007/08/barney_frank_defends_bill_richardson.php

"I regret Gov. Richardson's mis-statement"”as I sometimes regret one or two of my own"”but his error in the pressure of a debate should not detract from his very strong record in defense of equality for all Americans, including those of us who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender."�- Openly gay US Rep. Barney Frank, D-MA, in an Aug. 13 statement.

from http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/issues/lgbt
Fighting for Equal Opportunity and Equal Rights for All Americans
Governor Bill Richardson has the strongest record of achievement of any Presidential candidate on civil rights issues and support for the LGBT community. He proudly stands for domestic partner rights and against discrimination of any kind. He believes all families deserve our respect no matter their race, creed or sexual orientation.

A Record of Accomplishment From Day One

In his very first legislative session after taking office in 2003 Governor Richardson fought for, passed and signed:

The first hate crimes law in New Mexico history.
Legislation extending civil rights protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
He issued an executive order to extend access to health insurance and benefits to the domestic partners of state employees.

Pushed for Domestic Partnerships in New Mexico

Earlier this year Governor Richardson called the New Mexico Legislature back into a special session to address this important issue. Unfortunately, it lost by one vote in the regular session. But Governor Richardson will bring this bill back in the 2008 session, and this time will get it passed. Additionally, with a coalition of advocates, he successfully warded off a DOMA in New Mexico – one of only a handful of states that does not have one.

A Track Record of Inclusion and Diversity

He has also appointed gay and lesbian individuals to important posts throughout his administration -- to Cabinet posts, Division Directors, and to powerful boards and commissions. He will do the same as President, leading an Administration that truly looks like America. In Fact, he has pledged that his Vice-President will be an integral member of the HIV/AIDS Commission.

An End to "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell"

And as President, he will continue to get things done. He will also end the military’s disastrous, disrespectful "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy. He voted against this as a Congressman and continues to oppose it today. It makes no sense to turn away and turn out well-qualified recruits, at a time when our country needs them most. There are currently an estimated 65,000 gay and lesbian soldiers serving in our military. They are no less patriotic and their lives and sacrifices are no less valuable because of their sexual orientation. Homosexuality is not immoral, asking someone to hide their identity and devaluing their sacrifice is.

A Commitment to Achieving Equal Rights Under the Law

Gay and lesbian families deserve respect, and as President, Bill Richardson will take a principled stand to fight for it. He strongly believes that we don’t need constitutional amendments designed to exclude supportive, devoted couples. We need to extend the rights due to all of us as Americans:

The right to visit a sick or dying partner in the hospital,
The right to make necessary legal and financial decisions when a partner can no longer do so,
The right to equal employment opportunity, and
The right to protection from violent prejudice.
A Pledge to Accomplish Full Equality for ALL Americans

As President, he will continue to fight for full and equal rights for all domestic partners, including gay and lesbian families.

Bill Richardson did all this in a "red state." With the right leadership, you can get these things done. He believes that by working together, we can accomplish the same on the national level. But before you cast your lot with any national candidate, you have to ask -- not just do they talk the talk -- but do they walk the walk? Can they get it done? As a Governor -- Bill Richardson gets things done.

[Occam Bandage]

5. Agreed. Richardson is a good man and was the best-qualified.