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| Summary of Positions |
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| Statements on the Issues |
Bill Richardson's Summary of Positions
Positions are categorized as Pro (Yes), Con (No), Not Clearly Pro or Con (NC), or None Found (NF).
Candidates who have changed their positions are listed as Now their most recent position.
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Bill Richardson's Statements on the Issues
Positions are categorized as
Pro, Con, Not Clearly Pro or Con, or None Found. |
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| Abortion: |
"Should abortion remain a legal option in America?" |
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Pro: "I am pro-choice and will continue to support abortion rights and medical privacy for women. I am the only candidate explicitly committing to appoint only judges who consider Roe v. Wade settled law."
"Addressing Issues of Importance to Women," Bill Richardson's official candidate website (accessed Nov. 21, 2007)
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| China: |
"Is China a threat to the U.S.?" |
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Not Clearly Pro or Con: "[Keith] Olbermann: ...More than half this nation views China as an adversary. Which do you think it is, ally or adversary, sir?
[Bill] Richardson: China is a strategic competitor.
And we’ve got to be tougher on China when it comes to human rights and trade. We’ve got to say to China, you’ve got to stop fooling around with currency; you’ve got to find ways to be more sensitive to your workers; you’ve got to do more, China, in the area of human rights around the world, like put pressure on the Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur."
AFL-CIO Democratic Presidential Forum, Chicago, IL, Aug. 7, 2007
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| Cuba: |
"Should the U.S. continue to support an embargo against Cuba?" |
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Not Clearly Pro or Con: "...[W]e've got to deal with the Cuba issue. What we need there is possibly start lifting the embargo but only after Fidel Castro releases political prisoners and their democratic freedoms."
Univision Network Democratic Presidential Debate, Sep. 9, 2007
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| Darfur: |
"Should the U.S. send any American forces, with or without the U.N., to the Darfur region of Sudan to stop the genocide?" |
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Not Clearly Pro or Con: "[Anderson] Cooper: Governor Richardson, what are you going to do? Would you commit American troops?
[Bill] Richardson: ...This is what I would do: It's diplomacy. It's getting U.N. [United Nations] peacekeeping troops and not African Union troops. It's getting China to pressure Sudan. It's getting the European Union to be part of economic sanctions in Sudan. It's called leadership. A no-fly zone, I believe, would be an option. But we have to be concerned about humanitarian workers being hurt by planes, being shot...
[Anderson] Cooper: You say U.N. troops. Does that mean American troops?
[Bill] Richardson: United Nations peacekeeping troops, and that would primarily be Muslim troops. We need a permanent U.N. peacekeeping force, stationed somewhere. If we get U.N. peacekeeping troops authorized for Darfur, there's some already there, it'll take six months for them to get there. Genocide is continuing there; 200,000 have died; close to 2 million refugees in that region. America needs to respond with diplomacy, with diplomatic leadership."
CNN/YouTube Democratic Presidential Debate, Charleston, SC, July 23, 2007
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| Death Penalty: |
"Should the death penalty remain a legal option in America?" |
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Pro: "I support the death penalty with the most strictest of safeguards...I support the death penalty for the most heinous of crimes...I've always done that while I was in Congress."
"Per Diem: The Roundhouse Report," Albuquerque Tribune, Jan. 31, 2003
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| Economy: |
"Should the U.S. include mandatory regulations for labor rights in free trade agreements?" |
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Pro: "We should never have another trade agreement unless it enforces labor protection, environmental standards and job safety.
What we need to do is say that from now on America will adhere to all international labor standards in any trade agreement.
No child labor; no slave labor; freedom of association; collective bargaining, that is critically important; making sure that no wage disparity exists."
AFL-CIO Democratic Presidential Forum, Chicago, IL, Aug. 7, 2007
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| Education: |
"Is the increasing cost of college and university tuition pricing America's middle class out of higher education?" |
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Pro: "...[T]hese days, too many of our young people are unprepared for college. And too many of those that are prepared ... cannot afford to go. Only 57 percent of those who graduate high school enroll directly in college the following year.
The Bush Administration has presided over soaring college costs. Between 2001 and 2010, two million high school graduates will have been priced out of a college education. And those that do go get to go ... will graduate with extraordinary debts. It is unacceptable.
As a nation, we cannot abide the status quo, and we cannot afford fewer college graduates. The cost is simply too high."
"Speeches: Making America's Schools Work," Bill Richardson's official candidate website, Oct. 11, 2007
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| Election Reform: |
"Should there be restrictions on campaign contributions?" |
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None Found: No position found as of Jan. 9, 2008. ProCon.org also emailed the Richardson campaign on Dec. 13, 2007 with this question. They did not respond to our email.
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| Election Reform: |
"Should voter verified paper audit trails (VVPAT) be mandatory in elections?" |
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Pro: "Every federal election since 2000 has clearly shown that [voting] machines can and do malfunction. In New Mexico, in 2002 these voting systems lost the votes of almost 13,000 citizens, and in 2004 they failed to register the candidate of choice for many voters. If there is no accurate and verifiable paper record of voter intent, there is no accountable means of determining a winner."
"Op-ed: A Reliable, Verifiable Vote in 2008," The Hill, June 19, 2007
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| Energy: |
"Should drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) be allowed?" |
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Con: "Development of pristine areas like ANWR or Otero Mesa in my home state, will yield relatively little oil - not nearly enough to alter the inevitable reality of higher prices due to increased demand and finite supply."
"Energy Speech to Bear Stearns," Bill Richardson's official candidate website, Mar. 14, 2007
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| Environment: |
"Should the federal government mandate an increase in fuel efficiency standards for automobiles?" |
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Pro: "Well, I like to think that I’ve made my state a clean energy state. I was energy secretary, it's going to take an energy revolution. And I regret that this morning the U.S. Senate, despite the best efforts of all here, killed an energy bill that would have given more tax credits and incentives to renewable energy. And I think this is tragic. I think fuel efficiency standards in this country should be 50 miles per gallon, not 35. That's pathetic."
Demoractic Presidential Debate, hosted by PBS, Johnstown, IA, Dec. 13, 2007
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| Environment: |
"Should the U.S. ratify an international environmental agreement (such as the Kyoto Protocol) that mandates reductions in carbon emissions?" |
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Pro: "We have to fight global climate change and we have to have an international effort to do it. It means mandating the reduction of carbons and caps on emission and the pollution that comes from fossil fuels and vehicles...
What does this administration do when President Bush comes into office? He says, 'I'm not going to follow the Kyoto Treaty.'
I just want to tell you that in New Mexico, we are the first state to follow the Kyoto Treaty. Maybe our country isn't, but we did and we're doing that. I think the first thing the President does on the global climate change, is say we're going to follow the Kyoto Treaty, but we're going to exceed the limits because we lost six years."
Speech at Drake University, C-SPAN, Mar. 2, 2007
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| Gun Control: |
"Are more federal regulations on guns and ammunition needed?" |
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Con: "Full disclosure, my rating from the NRA is 'A'. I'm a westerner, I'm a hunter. Now, I believe, I've always believed, that the key to dealing with violence, senseless violence, is instant background checks, including at gun shows. Now, am I for uzis? No. But do I believe that the solution to every crime is to take the sportsman weapons from people? No... Would I take any initiatives for gun control? No."
"Richardson on Gun Control and School Reform," New Hampshire Public Radio, Aug. 31, 2007
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| Health Care: |
"Should all Americans have a right to government or employer subsidized basic health care?" |
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Not Clearly Pro or Con: "...[T]hose that say you need to increase the tax, you need to find other sources of revenue, I believe we can do it within the existing system and cover all Americans and control costs and be fair. But an essential component of the plan that I learned is that we have to be part of it: Employers, employees, state, the federal government. It's a cooperative, collaborative relationship catalyzed by the government, making health care universal coverage something that we can do, I believe, as I said, within a year."
"New Leadership on Health Care: A Presidential Forum," Las Vegas, NV, Mar. 24, 2007
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| Health Care: |
"Should Americans be allowed to purchase their prescription drugs from other countries?" |
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None Found: No position found as of Jan. 9, 2008. ProCon.org also emailed the Richardson campaign on Dec. 13, 2007 with this question. They did not respond to our email.
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| Immigration: |
"Should the U.S. build a physical barrier, such as a fence, along the U.S.-Mexico border?" |
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Con: "And I'm against the fence because it will not work. The Congress only funded half of the fence...and it's not American."
Democratic Presidential Debate, Las Vegas, NV, hosted by CNN, Nov. 15, 2007
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| Iran: |
"Should the U.S. use military force against Iran if Iran does not dismantle its nuclear program?" |
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Con: "Saber-rattling is not a good way to get the Iranians to cooperate. But it is a good way to start a new war -- a war that would be a disaster for the Middle East, for the United States and for the world. A war that, furthermore, would destroy what little remains of U.S. credibility in the community of nations.
A better approach would be for the United States to engage directly with the Iranians and to lead a global diplomatic offensive to prevent them from building nuclear weapons. We need tough, direct negotiations, not just with Iran but also with our allies, especially Russia, to get them to support us in presenting Iran with credible carrots and sticks."
"Diplomacy, Not War, With Iran," Washington Post, Feb. 24, 2007
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| Iraq War: |
"Has the war in Iraq made America safer?" |
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Con: "Our failed policy in Iraq is making us less safe. Our ports are less safe. Our cities are less safe. Our transportation systems are less safe."
"Governor Bill Richardson Issues Response to Hillary Clinton Statement," Press Release, Aug. 24, 2007
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| Iraq War: |
"Should the U.S. set a timetable for troop withdrawal in Iraq?" |
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Pro: "My plan is that, to end this war, we have to get all the troops out, all of them...
And it's critically important that we do this with an orderly timetable. But what is key is all of the troops out -- no residual forces. You leave residual forces behind, the peace cannot begin."
Democratic Presidential Debate, Drake University, Iowa, Aug. 19, 2007
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| Israel-Palestinian Conflict: |
"Should the U.S. allow Hamas to join future Israeli-Palestinian negotiations?" |
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Not Clearly Pro or Con: "[Tavis Smiley]: Diplomatically, how would Bill Richardson go about engaging in a conversation with terrorists?
[Bill] Richardson: Well first, you don't deal with terrorists, but you deal with those that supply terrorists...With Hamas, you do have to draw the line. This is an entity that basically is intent on the destruction of Israel. They have got to find ways to renounce that. Unless they renounce that, the entire international community shouldn't talk to them. And that doesn't mean that the Europeans have leverage on Hamas. So what you do work with the Europeans on Hamas.
So you don't have to do it directly, but to not engage, to not try to pressure these terrorists, by basically not having a permanent envoy, now, I hope we will do that."
Interview with Tavis Smiley, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), July 26, 2006
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| Marriage: |
"Should an affair outside of marriage disqualify a candidate for public office?" |
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Not Clearly Pro or Con: "[Katy] Couric: Do you think infidelity is reason enough not to vote for someone?
Richardson: I don't think so. I think that, you know, infidelity is ... a serious problem in any marriage. But, you know, everybody sins. And it's whether you're forgiven, whether you forgive yourself, whether you have faith in God. You know, perfection ... is something that politicians, they should not stand themselves for perfection. Nobody's perfect."
"Candidates Offer Views on Infidelity," CBS Evening News with Katy Couric, Dec. 19, 2007
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| Marriage: |
"Should there be a Constitutional amendment or federal law defining marriage as only between a man and a woman?" |
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Con: "Mr. Capehart: Governor, what was it about the time -- I believe it was 1996 when DOMA [Defense of Marriage Act] was passed -- what was it about that time that made it possible for you to actually vote for it?
Gov. Richardson: Well, I was the chief deputy whip of the Democrats at the time. President Clinton was president. And at that time, the objective in passing DOMA was to fight a huge assault for a constitutional amendment in the Congress to ban marriage. It was sort of a cheap political way to decimate a bad initiative."
Exchange between Jonathan Capehart of the Washington Post and Bill Richardson at the Democratic Forum on Viacom's Logo cable network, Aug. 9, 2007
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| Medical Marijuana: |
"Should marijuana be a medical option?" |
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Pro: "I support a sensible, compassionate plan that makes medical marijuana available to patients suffering from life-threatening diseases. Such a plan must have proper safeguards and restrictions against abuse. I oppose any plan to decriminalize any drug that is currently illegal for recreational use."
"Governor Bill Richardson Urges Action on Medical Marijuana Bill," Press Release, Feb. 7, 2007
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| National Service: |
"Should the U.S. institute a military draft?" |
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None Found: No position found as of Jan. 9, 2008. ProCon.org also emailed the Richardson campaign on Dec. 13, 2007 with this question. They did not respond to our email.
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| Religion: |
"Should federal funds be given to faith-based (religious) organizations and initiatives?" |
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Pro: "For too long...New Mexico's faith-based organizations who serve the most in need and the most vulnerable among us have not had access to public funding, or have not known how to access that funding. The federal government is providing billions of dollars in funding for these kinds of agencies. This new office will cut through the red tape and make sure these important groups have a level playing field to access desperately needed financial support and potential partnerships."
Governor Bill Richardson's Office of Faith-based & Community Initiatives homepage, Mar. 31, 2005
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| Religion: |
"Should a candidate's religion matter to voters?" |
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Con: "I pray. I'm a Roman Catholic. My sense of social justice, I believe, comes from being a Roman Catholic. But, in my judgment, prayer is personal. And how I pray and how any American prays, for what reason, is their own decision. And it should be respected. And so, in my view, I think it's important that we have faith, that we have values, but if I'm president, I'm not going to wear my religion on my sleeve and impose it on anybody."
Democratic Presidential Debate, Des Moines, IA, Aug. 19, 2007
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| Social Security: |
"Should Social Security be privatized?" |
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Con: "Social Security -- stop raiding the Social Security trust fund. Stop talking about privatization."
CNN/You Tube Deocratic Presidential Debate, Charleston, SC, July 23, 2007
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| Stem Cells: |
"Should the federal government fund embryonic stem cell research?" |
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Pro: "With one pen stroke, President Bush has ignored hard science, embraced misplaced ideology and turned his back on the millions who stand to benefit from the advances that stem cell research holds...
The President's veto is not the last word on advancing stem cell research. There is too much at stake for Democrats to back down. We must press forward because that's what a majority of Americans want.
And if the President continues to ignore the will of the people, I promise, once elected to the White House, I will lift this ban, giving our scientists the funding they need and restoring hope to millions."
"Lifting Ban on Federal Funding for Stem Cell Research Would Be a Priority for Richardson," Press Release, June 20, 2007
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| Taxes: |
"Should the Bush tax cuts be made permanent?" |
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Con: "There's no question -- there's no question that there's tax unfairness in this country, but we have to rebuild the economy. Yes, the Bush tax cuts of 2 percent; that has to go. But I would replace those Bush tax cuts with tax cuts for the middle class."
Democratic Presidential Debate, Howard University, Washington, D.C., hosted by PBS, June 28, 2007
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| U.S. Constitution: |
"Should the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights be altered or updated in any way?" |
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Pro: "I am for a constitutional amendment to balance the budget within five years."
"Governor Bill Richardson Stands Alone on Ending the War in Iraq at NBC/DNC Debate in New Hampshire," Press Release, Sep. 26, 2007
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| War on Terror: |
"Should the military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba be closed?" |
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Pro: "I will also be a president that will bring back habeas corpus and the rule of law. I will also be a president
that will shut down Guantanamo. I will also be a president that will follow the Constitution and not permit
torture as a tool in our foreign policy. I will not eavesdrop on American citizens. And I will not go to war,
unless I get the consent of Congress."
Democratic Presidential Debate, hosted by MSNBC, Hanover,
NH, Sep. 26, 2007
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| War on Terror: |
"Should interrogation techniques that some consider torture, such as waterboarding, be a legal option?" |
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Con: "Waterboarding is torture, and anyone who is unwilling to identify it as such is not qualified to be the chief legal officer of the United States of America...
Torture does not work. Mistreatment backfires and destroys our international leadership, as we saw with Abu Ghraib. Torture also endangers our own troops. The standards we adopt may well be what our own troops are subjected to.
Anytime one makes a person think he or she is being executed, the very nature of waterboarding, it obviously is a violation of the U.S. Constitution, international law, and basic human decency...
If another nation engaged in waterboarding against American citizens, we would denounce that country and call the practice barbaric, and rightly so.
We must stand against torture without equivocation, without compromise, and without exception. Torture is a violation of everything we stand for as Americans and as human beings."
"Governor Bill Richardson Calls on AG [Attorney General] Nominee to Answer the Question on Torture or Withdraw," Press Release, Oct. 19, 2007
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Bill Richardson's Biography |
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| Title(s): |
Governor of New Mexico |
| Personal Information: |
| Full Name: William Blaine Richardson, III |
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Marital Status: Married |
| Birthdate: Nov. 15, 1947 |
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Children: None |
| Birthplace: Pasadena, California |
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Religion: Roman Catholic |
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| Involvement: |
- Governor of New Mexico, 2002-present
- Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy, 1998-2001
- U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, 1997-1998
- Member, U.S. House of Representatives (D-New Mexico), 1983-1997
- Executive Director, New Mexico Democratic Party, 1978
- Executive Director, Bernalillo County Democratic Committee, 1978
- Staff, Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee, 1975-1978
- Staff, U.S. Department of State, 1973-1975
- Staff, U.S. House of Representatives, 1971-1972
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| Education: |
- MA, Tufts Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, 1971
- BA, Tufts University, 1970
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| Affiliations and Memberships: |
- Chairman, Freedom House, 2001-2003
- Senior Managing Director, Kissinger McLarty, 2001-2002
- President, Richardson Trade Group, 1978-1982
- Former Boardmember, Natural Resource Defense Council
- Former Boardmember, United Way International.
- Former Chairman, Western Governors' Association
- Former Chairman, Border Governors' Conference
- Former Chairman, 2004 Democratic National Convention
- Former Teacher various colleges and universities
- Former Staffer for a local Democratic Party
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| Other: |
Select Publications:
- Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life by Bill Richardson, 2007
- Leading by Example: How We Can Inspire an Energy and Security Revolution, 2007
- "The Least We Can Do for Fallen Soldiers," USA Today, Jan. 25, 2005
- "The Native American Record of Achievement," Indian Country Today, Jan. 31, 2001
- "The Need to Empower Indian Tribes," USA Today, Nov. 1, 1994
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| Contact Information: |
- Campaign:
- Phone: 505-982-2291, Sante Fe Office
- Fax: 505-982-3652, Sante Fe Office
- E-Mail: action.richardsonforpresident.com/page/content/contactus
- Web Site: www.richardsonforpresident.com
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- Office of the Governor:
- Phone: 505-476-2200
- Fax: None listed
- E-Mail: Online Contact Form
- Web Site: http://www.governor.state.nm.us
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