About Me
BILL RICHARDSON FOR PRESIDENT 2008!!
LIVE IN CALIFORNIA?? VOTE FOR RICHARDSON!!WHO IS HE??When New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson speaks about embracing diversity, the American dream, and serving others, 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.Bill Richardson was recently re-elected to a second term as Governor of New Mexico with the support of 69 percent of voters, representing the largest margin of victory for any Governor 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.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 UN, 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.WWW.MYSPACE.COM/RICHARDSONFORPRESIDENTISSUESIraqThe Iraq War is costing Americans $8 billion each month. By implementing my plan to de-authorize the war and withdraw ALL troops by the end of the year, we can start redirecting these funds toward what matters most for Americans: improving education, expanding access to quality health care, and addressing the REAL security threats like the Taliban, nuclear proliferation, and global warming.Health CareMy health care plan uses new ways to expand proven sources of affordable coverage to all Americans. It guarantees that all Americans will have choices of high quality, affordable care by giving every American the choice to keep their current coverage or obtain coverage through an existing, well-established program. My plan can be paid for without raising taxes. When some do not have access to affordable care, all Americans end up paying the price.
EnergyWe must “Act Boldly and Act Now†in order to make America a Clean Energy Nation like I made New Mexico a Clean Energy State. Consider this a call to action, for Congress, the energy industry, and the public. I am calling for a new American revolution – an energy and climate revolution.EnvironmentThroughout my career in public service, I have been fighting for conservation because I understand the importance of protecting our most valuable natural resources. I have been honored to be recognized as an Environmental Leader of the Year by the National Environmental Trust, the National Wildlife Federation, and Vanity Fair magazine for our work in New Mexico. As President, I will do even more to protect our environment, just like we did in New Mexico.ImmigrationI am committed to enforcing our borders and pushing for immigration reform. We need tough, effective border control and building a fence will not increase security; only more border patrol manpower will. I believe in realistic immigration reform that requires undocumented workers to earn their legal status through paying fines for illegally crossing the border, learning English, paying taxes, and obeying our laws.EconomyAs Governor of New Mexico, I have overseen a growing and vibrant economy. Since my election in 2002, we’ve created over 80,000 new jobs -- many of them good paying jobs in high-tech, aerospace, film and other growth industries. We provided tax credits to companies that create jobs paying above the prevailing wage and also gave a tax holiday to start up high tech companies so that America can remain dominant in technology to keep our economy growing. I understands how important it is to achieve universal health coverage and improve our education system to ensure a strong economy and good jobs.Foreign PolicyThis administration’s lack of realism has led us to a dangerous place. We need to take a different path. A path based on reality, not unilateralist illusions. A path that understands that the gravest dangers that threaten us today do not threaten only us – and that therefore to pursue our national interest and meet these challenges we must work with our friends, our enemies, and everyone in between. This is a path not of hard words, but of hard work. A path of moral strength, not pious judgments. A path of strong diplomacy, backed up by a strong military and strong alliances. This is the path of American leadership.http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/issues/
