Bill Richardson

 Bill Richardson, governor of New Mexico, was a Democratic candidate in the 2008 presidential election. He dropped out of the race in January 2008 after finishing poorly in the Iowa and New Hampshire races. His second (and last) term as governor ends in 2010 (term limits).

Profiles
Richardson, born November 15, 1947, was inaugurated as the Governor of New Mexico on January 1, 2003. He was named U.S. Secretary of Energy by President Bill Clinton on August 25, 1998, and was named the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations on December 13, 1996. 

Early in 2001, Richardson commenced teaching at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and became chairman of Freedom House, a private, non-partisan organization that "promotes democracy worldwide." In June 2001, he joined Kissinger McLarty Associates, a "strategic advisory firm headed by former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and former White House chief of staff Mack McLarty, as Senior Managing Director." 

He is a member of the Inter-American Dialogue.

"He served as a member of the President's Cabinet and also a member of the National Security Council. Richardson is the first Hispanic to serve in a foreign policy cabinet level position. Previously, Bill Richardson served New Mexico's 3rd Congressional District, and was reelected eight times." 

"As a member of the United States Congress, Richardson held one of the highest ranking posts in the House Democratic Leadership, serving as Chief Deputy Whip." 

"Richardson was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for the second time in January 1997. As a diplomatic 'trouble shooter', he has worked to free hostages and prisoners in several countries including Burma, Cuba, Iraq, North Korea and the Sudan." 

"Richardson was dispatched by President Clinton to Central Africa, where he successfully brought together former Zairian President Mobutu and Alliance leader Kabila for their first meeting." 

"Richardson received a B.A. (1970) from Tufts University and an M.A. (1971) from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. In addition, he has received a number of honorary degrees and has been presented with many honors and awards during his career." 


 * Guest Fellow (01-02), USIP

Announces formation of presidential exploratory committee
On January 21, 2007, Richardson announced the formation of a presidential exploratory committee, thus taking the first step towards candidacy in the 2008 presidential election. He also said, however, that he would not begin to campaign until at least late March, after he had concluded his efforts to get his agenda passed in the state legislature. 

Richardson abandons boards to focus on race

 * "Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Richardson resigned from the following boards on July 5, [2002]. He said he left his positions on the corporate boards so he can have more time to campaign."


 * Richardson resigned from the boards of: American Energy Group Inc.; Energy Investors Fund Group; Diamond Offshore Company; Peregrine Systems; City National Bank; Valero Corp. Services Corp.; Venoco; Hispanic Radio Network; Intellibridge Expert Network; and TerraSolar.

Related SourceWatch articles

 * U.S. presidential election, 2008

External articles

 * Compare where Bill Richardson stands to other 2008 presidential candidates at whereIstand.com
 * Bill Richardson and Thomas F. McLarty, OPEC's clout isn't what it used to be, San Jose Mercury News, November 4, 2001.
 * Gilbert Gallegos, Richardson says he abandoned boards to focus on race, Albequerque Tribune, 2002.
 * Mark Z. Barabak, "A New New Democrat Looks West and Forward," Los Angeles Times, August 14, 2005.
 * Richardson joins growing field of presidential hopefuls, CNN, January 21, 2007.
 * Scott Martelle, "Richardson formally declares candidacy for president," Los Angeles Times (Boston Globe), May 22, 2007.
 * Pam Spaulding, "Winners and losers at the HRC/LOGO VisibleVote08 forum," AMERICAblog, August 10, 2007.