Tell me About Richardson

[BayCityProgressive]

What has he done that has been progressive? Who are his backers? What has his position on the war been? I had heard the other night that his mother came over the border when she had him so that he would be American...is this true? If so, the racists will be foaming at the mouth over him. The thing that got me interested in him is that I had heard he eliminated the sales tax on food in New Mexico. If this is true that is extremely progressive.

[SCantiGOP]

1. for one thing

He is the only sitting governor in history to advocate the legalization of marijuana.

[Warpy]

11. That was his predecessor, Gary Johnson (R-occasionally decent)

If Richardson has said ANYTHING about that, I must have missed it. NM has a medical marijuana law on the books and has had since the 70s. The lege has refused to set up distribution and fund it.

If Richardson manages to stay home long enough to light a fire under those self righteous bastards and force them to be compassionate at least once in their long and feckless careers, he will get my vote in the primary and in the general and I won't even have to take a shower after.

[bigtree]

2. google bill richardson, hit the google news link

seriously. there's plenty out there right now which should give you enough of an intro to the guv.

here's a slice:

February 20, 2004
Southwest: New Mexico: Sales Tax On Food Is Repealed

Working through the night to meet a deadline for mandatory adjournment, the Legislature handed Gov. Bill Richardson a major victory by repealing the state sales tax on food and certain medical services. Mr. Richardson, a Democrat, had vowed to call the lawmakers back into special session if they did not approve the tax cut, which will be offset by a higher sales tax on other items. Steve Barnes (NYT)

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9903E0D9113DF933A15751C0A9629C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=print


Bill Richardson's story

May 27th 2004

Bill Richardson, the governor, towers over New Mexican politics, beguiling its ... and abolished the sales tax on food.

http://www.economist.com/printedition/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=2709028



Sunday 16 April 2006

Denver Post on Richardson’s Ambitions

“Bill Richardson championed lowering the top state income tax bracket, ... On the other hand, he eliminated the sales tax on food, which helps the poor,”

http://billrichardsonblog.com/?p=121



Feb 18, 2007

Richardson urges diplomacy in Mideast

CONCORD, NH - Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson said Friday that President Bush should learn from recent successes with North Korea

http://www.localnewswatch.com/skyvalley/stories/index.php?action=fullnews&id=65168



Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007

Richardson: War vote should decide control

MANCHESTER – Congress should stop focusing on nonbinding resolutions and should vote instead on whether to take back from President Bush its 2002 authorization for the U.S. participation in the war in Iraq, Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson said yesterday.

The New Mexico governor and former United Nations ambassador, congressman and Clinton administration energy secretary said he favors a "withdrawal with honor and dignity and efficiency." A "de-authorization" vote "would be based on the War Powers Act, and it would be the first statement on the war," he said.

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Richardson%3A+War+vote+should+decide+control&articleId=9228423b-1b51-4baf-af5c-0cf689ddbf92



http://journals.democraticunderground.com/bigtree

[vireo]

3. Exemption of groceries from state sales tax is actually the norm

Not that it's not a good thing; it's just not exactly groundbreaking.
http://www.ctj.org/html/foodtax.htm

[emulatorloo]

4. FWIW I had always liked Richardson, but this disturbed me

I will try to give him the benefit of the doubt, but this does color it for me -- Why was he so against a recount in 2004?

http://www.abqjournal.com/elex/aprecount11-30-04.htm

November 30, 2004
Recount Sought in N.M. Presidential Election

SANTA FE — Green and Libertarian Party presidential candidates are seeking a statewide recount of ballots in New Mexico's presidential contest that President Bush won by a 5,988-vote margin.

Green Party nominee David Cobb and Libertarian candidate Michael Badnarik want a recount in all precincts and a recheck of voting machines to ensure an accurate count of presidential ballots, said Blair Bobier, a spokesman for the Cobb campaign.

"We feel that for protection of the voting process and ensuring that people have not only the right to vote but to have their vote count, that a recount is warranted," Bobier said Tuesday in a telephone interview.

It's uncertain whether a recount could be completed before New Mexico's presidential electors are scheduled meet Dec. 13 to cast their five votes for Bush.

Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson said, "I don't believe a recount is needed."

Richardson said "we know what the problems" are with the state election system, and he plans to propose changes during next year's legislative session, including uniform standards for determining whether a provisional ballot is valid and will be counted.

"I think the result is clear — President Bush won by less than 1 percent," Richardson said at a news conference.

---

Cobb-LaMarche page on it here: http://www.iwantmyvote.com/recount/new_mexico/

It all ended AFAIK with:

<snip>

January 14, 2005
New Mexico Secretary of State Rebecca Vigil-Giron authorized county election officials to clear voting machines despite pending appeals that could result in a recount of November 2 votes. Cobb and Badnarik objected, and filed a request for a temporary restraining order seeking to prevent clearing of the voting machines. press release

<snip>

[vireo]

7. More discussion of this in ER forum

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=203&topic_id=465461

[imaginary girl]

10. I agree ...

I've had a difficult time getting over my bad vibes about him since then as well.

[bobbolink]

20. And the reality got worse, it just didn't make the news in a big way.

Now, of course, we're told that he really is serious about voting reform.

:eyes:

[bigtree]

12. this is a complicated story, but the bottom line is you would have to believe

the guv wanted Bush to win for this to matter at all. Who believes that?

The Greens and Libertarians who wanted the recount had a good point when they protested having to pay a million more than the fees they had already forked over for the recount. They asked the guv for a partial recount, paying part of what was asked and were ultimately turned down by Gov. Richardson. There were also other state regs which tripped up the recount. While there were certainly things the guv could have done to move the process forward, he didn't have unilateral power to change the state's election laws. He did, however, seek and achieve a change in the paperless ballot system which had caused the objectionable tallies.

Further, New Mexico's 5500 some contested votes would have had NO impact on the outcome of that election in the end.

[merh]

5. here's a site to look at - it tells where they all stand on issues

BUUUUUTTTTT, keep in mind, Richardson was as tied to the oil industry as anyone of the repugs - he sat on the board of Diamond Offshore and Valero before he decided to run for governor, after his stint with Clinton - it appears he is a corporate whore as much as the others. Look at who gave to his campaign. Google his name with the oil executes and you wills see that they are buddies.

http://www.whereistand.com/PublicFigures

http://www.whereistand.com/BillRichardson

[Czolgosz]

6. Richardson is DLC Repub-Lite to the core. He's is pro-school vouchers, pro-NAFTA/anti-Fair Trade,

pro-medical savings accounts, pro-death penalty/anti-death-penalty-appeals/pro-enhanced sentencing for nonviolent drug crimes/pro-replacing judicial discretion with mandatory jail time, pro-faith-based social services, pro-tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy, and he has been a hawk on "homeland security" and military base issues.

The DLC recently honored Richardson, who gave gave the keynote address at the DLC conference. This excerpt is from the DLC website:

As governor of New Mexico, Richardson has translated his New Democrat values into an effective policy agenda. "We've shown that it's possible to pursue a progressive Democratic agenda which cuts taxes and provides economic incentives for businesses while at the same time improving education, exploding childcare availability, protecting the environment, fighting discrimination, and balancing the budget," he said.... Richardson led by example, announcing that week a slew of cuts that would save the state $21 million without adversely affecting services. Agencies have slimmed down their number of outside consulting contracts; the Corrections Department has relocated some 140 state prisoners; and the Revenue and Taxation Department has stepped up its pursuit of delinquent taxpayers.... Richardson eagerly supports business development, especially the type of businesses and institutions -- science, technology, venture capital, medicine, higher education -- that bring high wage jobs with them. Richardson says his tax cuts have been one important step toward making New Mexico more attractive to businesses. But he has also proposed dedicating over $200 million -- 2 percent of the state's permanent funds -- to invest in business startup organizations, an in-plant training fund, and new recruitment efforts.... "We should be proud to be the moderate party of sound economic management and fiscal responsibility and a friend of the economic engines -- the businesspeople of this country."

I'm all for appropriate tax cuts and promoting business, but for me that's just a means toward achieving the ends of providing a better situation for the middle class. For Richardson, promoting business is the end goal. That's fine, and if Richardson is Hillary's VP nominee, I'll be 100% behind the ticket, but during the primary where I can fight for a candidate who BEST reflects my values, Richardson is neck-and-neck with Biden and Hillary in the race to be my last choice.

[bigtree]

9. New Mexico residents approve of these positions you highlight

btw, this DLC speech puts him in the mainstream of our party on these issues, if not in the progressive camp.

[Czolgosz]

16. I'm not seeking his recall as governor of NM. I'm just supporting any of the 6 more progressive

candidates who are running for the Democratic nominee.

I'm not saying that being the beloved of the DLC is a crime; it's just not going to win my heart or support in the primary.

If Richardson finds his way into the bottom half of a Clinton/Richardson ticket, which I consider a possibility, I'll vigorously support the ticket despite that I'm not a huge Hillary or Richardson fan.

[Jack Rabbit]

8. He was Nixon's AG who resigned rather than fire Cox during the Sat Nite Massacre

At least that's the first Richardson who comes to my mind.

[Lobster Martini]

13. Sorry, wrong Richardson

That was Elliot Richardson.

[Jack Rabbit]

14. OK, then he was the Yankees' second baseman

He made that lucky catch of McCovey's line drive to the 1962 world series.

[bigtree]

15. you mean Bobby Richardson

McCovey slapped a hard liner that was caught by the Yankees' second baseman.

Gov. Richardson also was an outstanding baseball player, a pitcher, who once considered a professional career.

[Jack Rabbit]

31. I think you get the point

Joe Sixpack doesn't just need to be sold on the idea of voting for Richardson. He needs to be told who he is.

[bobbolink]

17. There are many fans on DU of Richardson, who will point out to you

what they see has his pluses.

I'm going to point out to you the things that should make us all pause and breath deeply and think hard before jumping on the Richarson band wagon.

1. He was on the WRONG side of the Wen Ho Lee case. People in Los Alamos haven't forgotten this, and are *very* upset with Richardson with what he did to Lee.

2. People will say that he passed legislation for voting integrity. That's half-true. The truth is that he STOPPED the recount when it's pretty clear that New Mexico would have gone for Kerry. Activists in the state PUSHED him into that voting legislation.

3. The man has a real problem with alcohol. While that may just seem like a personal issue, you can be sure, were he the nominee (or Veep nom), the press will make much of it, and focus on that, rather than the issues. Haven't we had enough of that?

There are more considerations, but I think these are plenty to think about.

We have so many quality candidates, why settle for someone with this baggage, just because "he will bring the West into play"?

Can't we strive for more integrity?

[bigtree]

18. those charges are weak and old

The man has demonstrated far more integrity and accomplishment than the narrow criticisms that have surrounded his announcement.

Besides, you've clumsily summarized these rehashed complaints without attribution, reference, or context.

[bobbolink]

19. Dumping on me doesn't make his weaknesses go away.

He was PUSHED into those voting reforms. You can pooh-pooh that all you want, but there it is.

If you really want a president who can't and won't put forth and protect strong voting rights, then you want a different country than what I want.

He has many, many drunk-driving offenses, and if that's OK with you, then you have a different idea of what you want in a president than I do, and you KNOW the RW will make hash of this.

Dumping on whistleblowers is serious business, and has been part of what has this country in the pickle it's in. What he did to Wen Ho Lee may have been a while ago, but that doesn't mean it is somehow nicer now.

And you can put me down all you want--that doesn't make Richardson's problems less so.

I happen to want the best for this country, not just someone to fill some shoes.

[jen4clark]

21. Thank you.

Because Corpress ignored anything to do with election integrity, Richardson's actions in 2004 have gone mostly unnoticed. I have a good friend in NM who has files of bookmarks showing Richardson to be less than open and honest. She says New Mexicans are well aware of who he is and will not be fooled.

I'll see if I can round her up to post some of her stuff. The only stuff I have is on him stopping the recount in 2004. Could he have known then he'd be running in '08? Who knows.

[bobbolink]

24. Yes, I hope she will post some of that, and also that she has strong armor.

When it comes to candidates (and other topics, too) DU starts resembling RWers... "if you can't refute something on it's merits, then attack the poster". :( :eyes: :(

I'm glad you spoke up. I didn't enter this to fight with anyone, or to run down Richardson unfairly. I posted because I assumed the OP sincerely wanted some info from both sides, and some of what I brought up isn't widely known--such as the Wen Ho Lee case, and I think that's really important to know. We *need* to protect our whistleblowers!!

I also know some other stuff, which I hadn't posted, and doubt I will. I know people who have seen boxes of evidence that has been hidden, and that stuff just makes me :puke:

As I said, we have so many talented and good-hearted people with integrity to chose as leaders. We really don't need to "settle".

Thank you for speaking up, and I hope that you can add more info.

:hi:

[bigtree]

27. the right wing shit is just a cover for your own thin skin

get off of it and back up your charges with facts, if they exist.

[jen4clark]

29. Oh.

See what you mean about strong armor. Well, no my friend is a very sensitive and kind person, and she doesn't post the information she has because she knows it will upset people... So I guess if we have information that is less than glowing about any of the Dems we just keep it to ourselves... Then once Corpress chooses our candidate for us and the Radical Regressives come out with their guns ablazing, we'll all be shocked together.

Well, thanks for the kind words and advise. I think I'm outta here.

[bobbolink]

35. Yes, they're very effective at shutting people up, aren't they?

*GREAT* communication skills.

Funny thing.... they think they're getting "the upper hand" by being verbal bullies.

All they're really doing is showing more about their favorite candidate, and turning people off. So, just let 'em go at it. They're doing much more damage with being ugly than we can with just trying to speak up for the truth of the matter.

*I'm* interested in your friend's experience, so you can PM me if you wish to stay out of the ugliness. I can tell you, there are many who have seen through the veneer.

Take care, and good to hear from you!

[bigtree]

38. you are amazing

I pointed out, correctly, that you posted charged devoid of references or relevant facts to back up the charges. You admitted as much as you complained about being so maligned from my pointing it out. Now your still whining. Look at the post that you originally said offended you. It reads:

"Those charges are weak and old.

The man has demonstrated far more integrity and accomplishment than the narrow criticisms that have surrounded his announcement.

Besides, you've clumsily summarized these rehashed complaints without attribution, reference, or context."

It's unbelievable that you took that for "dumping on you."

And, you are still here complaining about Richardson (and other things) without attribution, reference, or context.

If that's offensive, so be it.

"THEY" don't seem to be "shutting you up" at all. Rather, THEY seem to want you to spell out your complaints with facts and references instead of having to respond to your angst.

[bobbolink]

40. Thanks for proving my point. I'm sure Bill is proud of you.

You might want to reread the rules about personal attacks.

You also might want to contact Richardson's office about how to properly respond to people who disagree with you.

[bigtree]

42. there are mods here, this is not a personal attack

you are the one still railing against that innocuous post which isn't an attack at all.

Unbelievable.

[bobbolink]

43. "right wing shit" isn't an attack?

I'm sure Bill would be amused, no?

[bigtree]

44. I thought it was when YOU first made the charge in reference to our exchange

You wrote in the post above: "When it comes to candidates (and other topics, too) DU starts resembling RWers...

My reference was a defense against being compared to the right-wing by YOU.

Did you expect that I'd just let THAT personal attack go unanswered?

[bobbolink]

45. That's what it was.... attacking character rather than substance.

You've made it very clear that your ego is tied up in promoting Richardson. Mine isn't one way or the other.

So, you go ahead and have the last word, and blast away. As I said to the other poster, this is showing people much more about Richardson than is intended, or that I would put forth myself.

If you really think your ire at me is gaining supporters for him, then have at it.

edited to add from today's candidate forum:
"Richardson ! Candidates please sign pledge not to bash each other!!"



:rofl:

bye now...

[bigtree]

46. I'm perfectly comfortable defending Richardson against unwarranted attacks

on his character or on his record.

[bigtree]

26. dumping on you?

these are not disqualifying points, in my view.

And, you are still using your posts to forward half-truths, innuendo, and generalizations of complicated events and issues. That can only lead to confrontation.

[KittyWampus]

36. Steve Clemons mentioned Richardson's inappropriate behavior with women. Clemons

is utterly reliable and if he thinks Richardson needs to deal with his past misbehavior (as Schwartzenegger managed to somehow) then I think Richardson supporters damned well better take their blinders off.

[bigtree]

39. second, third-hand innuendo without reference

do you really think that should fly . . .for ANY candidate?

[jen4clark]

22. Not only stopped the recount

but had the machine wiped clean of all information. What's that about?

The voting-industrial complex

New Mexico’s Secretary of State, Rebecca Vigil-Giron, seemed curiously uncurious about Hispanic and Native precincts where nearly one in ten voters couldn’t be bothered to choose a president.

Vigil-Giron, along with Governor Bill Richardson, not only stopped any attempt at a recount directly following the election, but demanded that all the machines be wiped clean. This not only concealed evidence of potential fraud but destroyed it. In 2006, New Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled the Secretary of State’s machine-cleaning job illegal — too late to change the outcome of the election, of course.

...


Governor Richardson, who ducked the issue for three years, and his Secretary of State, once openly hostile to reform, had to relent in the face of the public uprising. In February of 2006, Richardson signed a model law requiring that all voting in the state take place on new paper ballot machines, with verifiable tabulating systems. Richardson now claims the mantle of leader of the voting reform campaign.

http://polwaves.planetwaves.net/2006/10/24/ (last entry on page)

[bobbolink]

25. Yes, there was much more to it, and I'm glad you posted it.

To me, just saying there was some funny business with the last election should give *anyone* pause--I know it would me.

As I said, I was just responding to the OP with simple info. If I had asked that question, and had a reply back about something like this, it would tell me a whole lot.

However, posting the specifics, as you did, is worthwhile, and I appreciate that you did it.

He is a man who is really vulnerable to all kinds of RW attacks and charges, because he opened himself to it with careless behavior, and we don't need to be in the position of another Clinton-type mess.

[bigtree]

28. Of course, the governor wasn't responsible for all of the laws and regulations

which obstructed the Greens and Libertarians in the state.

Maybe you could explain to me the logic in Richardson not wanting his state to go for Kerry after he chaired the national convention? NM's electoral votes weren't even enough to change the outcome of the national election.

The entire attack makes even less sense when you realize that his state now leads the country in the reforms they made to their paperless system.

[Horse with no Name]

23. I just want to go on record here

that I am staying out of this...so my disapproval can't be considered "predictable'. :evilgrin:

[jen4clark]

30. You one smart horsie.

Your name should be Brilliant.

[MoseyWalker]

32. I want Tony Anaya back

governor from the progressive '70s before this state began being taken over by the money grubbing Californians and Coloradoans and Texans.

I want history back.

Richardson will likely be on the ticket as a VP candidate, and he will be happy with that. That being said, he does not represent the hispanic population of this state, and I hope that the rest of the country realizes this prior to anointing him.

[bigtree]

33. memo to Bill:

1. regress to progress

2. second-best is better

3. lose the heritage

[Sugarcoated]

34. I've heard there's a couple of allegations

One having to do with someone in his cabinet, another something to do with appointing a movie czar? I've googled and don't get much on these two so called scandals. These came from a pretty partisan Republican I know who lives in NM. I'm still waiting for her to give me some links so I can read up. Any New Mexican's know about this stuff?

[sandnsea]

37. He just piled on Obama

At the AFSCME 'debate' in Nevada. To join in the Hillary whine over Geffen's remarks - after all the shit Hillary has dumped out there - proves to me he's just another Clinton stoolie. Sad. I was hoping he'd come into his own.

[bigtree]

41. who's 'stoolie' was he when he criticized Hillary the other day?

:shrug: