www.richardsonforpresident.com on Jan. 21, 2007

Transcript of Gov. Bill Richardson Exploratory Announcement

Hello.  This Is Governor Bill Richardson.   Today, I'm announcing the formation of a presidential campaign exploratory committee … with the clear intention of declaring my candidacy for president in the very near future.

I am taking this step because we have to repair the damage that's been done to our country over the last six years.  Our reputation in the world is diminished, our economy has languished, and civility and common decency in government have perished.

The next president of the United States must get our troops out of Iraq without delay.  Before I became Governor of New Mexico, I served as Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations and as Secretary of Energy.  I know the Middle East well … and it's clear that our presence in Iraq isn't helping any longer.

Our next president must also be able to help create jobs here at home.

In New Mexico, one of the poorest states in the nation, we've created 84,000 new jobs, many of them in high tech industries like renewable energy, aerospace, and manufacturing.  We've done that with innovative approaches like a tax credit for companies that create good paying jobs, tax incentives for start up high tech businesses, targeting job creation in rural areas.

We've made substantial investments in public education and health care, and we've done it while balancing the budget and cutting taxes.  Fiscal discipline is a big part of sustained economic growth … the kind of growth that creates good jobs and actually reduces poverty.

Our next President must be able to start reversing Global warming and make real progress on energy independence and that means making a real commitment to renewable sources of energy and conservation.  As Energy Secretary, I increased efficiency standards and saved billions in energy costs. As Governor of  New Mexico, we are requiring 10 percent of all energy come from renewable sources--and we are moving to 20 percent.  We have provided incentives for solar, wind, biofuels and other renewables .  Everybody talks about these issues.  I have actually done it.

Our next President must be able to restore our standing in the world.   With my diplomatic and foreign policy experience, I am the best candidate to make America a respected international leader again. I just returned from Darfur in the Sudan where  we made progress in that troubled region of the world.

America must again become the international leader in fighting poverty and promoting democracy and human rights across the world.  Our national security depends on it.

And finally, our next President must be able to bring together a country that is divided and partisan.  It's clear that Washington is broken and it's going to take a return to bipartisanship and simple respect for each other's views to get it fixed.  Most public policy solutions these days are coming from Governors and state government.  On issues like the environment, jobs, and health care, governors are leading the way.  And that's because we can't be partisan or we won't get our jobs done.  That's a lesson I've learned as Governor and that's what I'll do as President.

There are many more issues to talk about in the coming weeks and months … I can't do them all justice with a short statement.  But let me say this - I'm not new to the challenges that face our country and our world, but I know we need a new dedication to Democratic principles and values … and we need a president with the experience to start the healing both here and abroad.

Here in New Mexico, we are in the middle of our Legislative session, working to raise the minimum wage, expand health care, crack down on sexual offenders and cut taxes for working families.  I am committed to seeing these efforts through.

However, the national debate about the future of our country has begun and I believe I have a different perspective to offer.

I know I am not a favorite in this race.

As an underdog and Governor of a small, western state I will not have the money that other candidates will have.

However, I believe these serious times demand serious people who have real world experience in solving the challenges we face.  I humbly believe I am the best equipped candidate to meet these challenges.

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States
 

For Immediate Release
Contact: Pahl Shipley

January 21, 2007

SANTA FE, NM--New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced the formation of a Presidential campaign exploratory committee, with the clear intention of seeking the Democratic nomination for President in 2008.

"I am taking this step because we have to repair the damage that's been done to our country over the last six years," said Richardson. "Our reputation in the world is diminished, our economy has languished, and civility and common decency in government has perished."

"The next president of the United States must get our troops out of Iraq without delay. Before I became Governor of New Mexico, I served as Ambassador to the United Nations and as Secretary of Energy. I know the Middle East well and it's clear that our presence in Iraq isn't helping any longer," said Richardson.

"Our next President must be able to bring a country together that is divided and partisan," said Richardson. "It is clear that Washington is broken and it's going to take a return to bipartisanship and simple respect for each other's views to get it fixed. Most public policy solutions these days are coming from Governors and state government. On issues like the environment, jobs, and health care, state governments are leading the way. And that's because we can't be partisan or we won't get our jobs done. That's a lesson I've learned as Governor and that's what I'll do as President."

When New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson speaks about embracing diversity, the American dream, and public service, he speaks from unparalleled experience. Born November 15, 1947 in Pasadena, California to an American father and Mexican mother, Governor Richardson grew up in Mexico City before moving to New England, where he attended high school and college. He has dedicated his life to public service, as a United States Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations, Secretary of Energy, and now as Governor of New Mexico.

This past November, Richardson won re-election to his second term as Governor of New Mexico with a resounding 69% of the vote, the largest margin of victory in state history. He was supported by Democrats, Republicans and Independents, winning in both urban and rural counties. New Mexicans overwhelmingly endorsed Governor Richardson's aggressive efforts to improve education, cut taxes, build a high-wage economy, expand health care access, invest in renewable energy and make New Mexico safer.

Bill Richardson's fiscally responsible governing style has allowed New Mexico to tackle important priorities, while maintaining a balanced budget and the highest reserves in state history. He cut $230 million in bureaucratic waste, invested in new opportunities for New Mexico's children and returned more than $1 billion dollars in taxes to working families. His innovative policies have turned New Mexico's economy around, with 84,000 new jobs, rising personal income and a growing high tech sector that includes manufacturing, aviation, and renewable energy.

As Secretary of Energy to President Bill Clinton, Bill Richardson implemented tough efficiency standards to save energy. And as Governor, he has made New Mexico the Clean Energy State by requiring utility companies to produce energy through renewable resources and reduce carbon emissions.

Before becoming Governor, Bill Richardson served in Congress for 15 years and helped President Clinton pass the economic plan that created millions of jobs and led America to its first balanced budget in 30 years.

Appointed by President Clinton as the Ambassador to the United Nations, Bill Richardson worked with world leaders to build alliances and help prevent the development of nuclear weapons in North Korea. Bill Richardson has been nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the release of hostages, American servicemen and political prisoners in North Korea, Iraq, and Cuba. Governor Richardson recently negotiated a 60-day cease fire in war-torn Darfur following direct talks with rebel leaders and the President of Sudan.

As Chairman of the Democratic Governor's Association, Governor Richardson raised more than $28 million for gubernatorial candidates and helped elect the first Democratic majority of governors since 1994. Governor Richardson also served as Chair of the Western Governors Association, Border Governor's Conference and the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

Bill Richardson has been married to his high school sweetheart, Barbara, for 33 years. Richardson received a BA from Tufts in 1970 and a MA from Tuft's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1971.

The Bill Richardson for President Exploratory Committee will be headquartered in New Mexico. Key staff will include:

• Dave Contarino: Contarino ran Richardson's first campaign for Governor, served as his Chief of Staff for 3 years and most recently was the Chair of his re-election campaign.
• Amanda Cooper: Cooper was Richardson's re-election Campaign Manager and Fundraising Director. Cooper oversaw raising $14 million for the Governor's re-election campaign and led the effort to raise $28 million for the DGA in Governor Richardson's two year term as Chair.
• Pahl Shipley: Shipley was most recently the Communications Director and Chief Spokesperson in the Office of Governor Bill Richardson. Shipley is a 25-year award-winning veteran of television news and prior to working for Richardson, he served as the News Director at KOAT-TV in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
• Colleen Turrentine: Turrentine served as the national fundraising director for the Democratic Leadership Council. Before that, she worked for the 2004 Joe Lieberman presidential campaign.

• Steve Murphy: Murphy is a founding partner of Murphy Putnam Media, a premiere Washington media consulting firm. Murphy was Dick Gephardt's National Campaign Manager in 2003-2004 and managed his Iowa caucus campaign in 1988.
• Mike Stratton: Stratton has served in numerous senior roles in several Democratic Presidential Campaigns and has served as a long-time Senior Political Advisor to Richardson.
• Mark Putnam: Putnam, a founding partner of Murphy Putnam media, has been a media consultant and campaign strategist for over two decades. He's written, directed, and produced over 1,000 commercials for campaigns in 46 states, including helping elect five Governors, six U.S. Senators, and dozens of members of the U.S. House.
• Jeff Eller: Eller is the CEO of Public Strategies in Austin, and a veteran of the Clinton 1992 Campaign and the White House.
• Jennifer Yocham Poersch: Yocham Poersch, a former deputy finance director for the 2004 Lieberman campaign, will work with Cooper on national fundraising. Poersch worked for the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, including a stint as senior adviser to committee chairwoman, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington
• Joe Velasquez: Velasquez is Richardson's advisor on Labor and Political Affairs. Velasquez was the Head of the Department of Community Service for the AFL-CIO. Additionally, he was a former member of the DNC staff and a Deputy Director of Political Affairs for President Bill Clinton.
• Calvin Humphrey: Humphrey has worked with Richardson for many years as his Foreign Policy Advisor, traveling to Iraq and most recently, Sudan on hostage rescue and other missions. Humphrey served as the Democratic Staff Director, Committee on Homeland Security, U.S. House of Representatives and previously was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of International Affairs.
• Andre Pineda: Pineda is the Founder and President of Pineda Consulting, a California-based, Latino-owned firm specializing in political polling and strategic communications. Pineda has over 15 years of experience working for some of the biggest names in the political consulting business - Peter Hart, Geoff Garin, Fred Yang, Rich Schlackman, and Stan Greenberg.
• Suzanne Cole Nowers: Nowers is the CEO of Nexus Direct, a top direct marketing firm, who worked for Richardson's re-election and whose clients include the DSCC to coordinate our direct mail fundraising.