Bill Richardson Watch: New Mexico Governor Richardson Enters White House Race

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AP: N.M. governor enters White House race

Democrat Bill Richardson took the first step Sunday toward a bid to become the first Hispanic president, saying the country needs his extensive experience as a governor, cabinet secretary and United Nations ambassador.

The 59-year-old New Mexico governor announced in a video posted on his Web site that he would set up an exploratory committee that will allow him to begin raising money and assembling his campaign organization.

His candidacy would make history as the field of Democratic candidates would be the most diverse ever. On Saturday, New York Sen.

Hillary Rodham Clinton said she wanted to be the first female president. Last week, Sen. Barack Obama (news, bio, voting record) of Illinois jumped in, a formidable contender who would be the first black commander in chief.

Richardson, whose father was an international banker from Boston and whose mother was Mexican, said he believes the country “has changed enough” that voters are ready for a woman or minority president.

“The country is looking for somebody who, one, brings the country together — a unifier, a healer,” Richardson told The Associated Press. “And two, somebody who gets things done. Those two quests by Americans override any other concerns.”

Governor Richardson’s announcement video is here:

Everyone knows that Governor Richardson is running for Vice President with Hillary Clinton at the top of the ticket. A moderate, Hispanic (or at least half) experienced politico and one from the West balances the Democrat’s 2008 ticket. Barack Obama does not and the upstart Obama candidacy and the negative leaks preclude his choice as Vice President.

Watch as the campaign begins to unfold how Richardson SHILLS for Hillary – especially on illegal immigration issues.

Stay tuned……..

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson gives his State of the State address during the opening of the legislative session at the Capitol in Santa Fe, N.M., Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007.

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President 2008 Watch: Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico Will Run for President?

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