The Reason for Richardson

For better or worse Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards have received the vast majority of press attention in the battle for the Democratic nominating process. The news is flooded with information on them. We have the recent incident between Elizabeth Edwards and Ann Coulter, Barack generating the most funds in the current quarter, and Hillary appearing with the former President in Iowa. I would like to take a moment to examine another candidate on the list that seems to have lacked press attention.

Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico is currently running fourth in the major polls of active candidates. While the Governor has received less attention, his campaign has continued to make progress on reaching out to the people. He isn't as flashy as Obama or Edwards, and he doesn't have Hillary's name recognition, but he has more experience then all three of them combined.

Richardson is in his second term as Governor of New Mexico, a position which he was re-elected to by nearly 70% of the votes. During his time as Governor, Richardson has done many things to improve the state of New Mexico. Lets look at a proven track record of executive success.

1 - The CATO Institute rated Governor Richardson as the highest scoring Democrat in the nation for his tax cuts and limits on increased spending. Cato News Release - March 1, 2005

2 - Under the Governor's leadership, New Mexico started the trend of the state paying for the life insurance premiums of National Guardsmen. N.M. law sparks push for Guard benefits

3 - With GRIP (Governor Richardson's Investment Partnership), the state has started on funding large scale public infrastructure projects. New Mexico Launches Strategic Transportation Initiative

4 - Governor Richardson's business friendly policy has increased jobs in New Mexico, making Albuquerque one of Forbes' Top Cities. Ready for Takeoff - Forbes.com

5 - The Governor's Education policies have improved New Mexico schools, but he also calls for personal responsibility. Governor Richardson: Parents can help close the education gap

I think leadership and effectiveness are important when selecting a candidate. When it comes to both issues, Bill Richardson is the clear cut front runner. I have only mentioned his career as Governor, but he has also be nominated several times for the Nobel Peace Prize for his negotiation for the release of hostages and American service men. He has served as a Representative from New Mexico in the US House, Secretary of Energy, and most importantly US Ambassador to the United Nations.

When it comes to understanding the intricacy of legislation, the delicate nature of diplomacy, and the authoritative nature of an executive, Governor Richardson is the only candidate that has the real world experience. After eight years of President Bush, I think the time for on-the-job training has passed. Lets get someone in who is ready to hit the ground running.

So why isn't Bill getting the press coverage of the other candidates. Easy, despite his great political charisma he isn't the pop sensation that Obama is, he isn't married to a former President like Hillary, and he doesn't have the squeaky clean Ken doll look of Edwards. Why is that important? You decide.