Yesterday was an exciting day for the Richardson for President campaign in Nevada. First Lady Barbara Richardson accompanied her husband, Governor Richardson, on his 19th trip to Nevada to help celebrate his 60th birthday. Our staff had a very busy day!

First Lady Richardson attended a Nevada "Women for Richardson" luncheon at Neiman Marcus' Mariposa restaurant yesterday. First Lady Richardson recognized and specially thanked Eva Garcia Mendoza, Chair of the Women For Richardson chapter of Nevada; Sharon Maloof, Deputy Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department; Mary Gallagher, founder of the "Tom and Mary Gallagher Foundation" and Yolanda Muro, who organized the event. Other local supporters included Kristin Haycocks, Cecilia Martinez-Avila, Peggy Gibson, Sarah Denton, Lovee Arum, Hui Lim Ang and LeeAnn Inadomi.

Holly Welborn and I watched the debate from the Clark County Debate watch party at the Paris Hotel, held before the Jefferson-Jackson dinner. In celebration of Governor Richardson's birthday, we decorated tables with birthday balloons, cupcakes, confetti and presents. Everyone loved the decorations! Our tables and cheerful supporters definitely stood out from the other campaigns' groups at the debate watch party.

We were all very proud of Governor Richardson's performance during the debate. He distinguished himself from other candidates by pointing out his differences on the Iraq war and that he is the only candidate with hands-on experience dealing with Western issues. By not engaging in mudslinging, he showed real leadership and led the other candidates to a real discussion of the issues. Our group was the loudest of all the campaigns at the debate watch party, and Governor Richardson's responses even drew loud cheers from supporters of other campaigns in the room.

After the debate, First Lady and Governor Richardson went to the Nevada Jefferson-Jackson dinner where John Hunt, Chairman of the Clark County Central Committee, interrupted the scheduled agenda to introduce Governor Richardson first, and wish him a happy birthday. The entire audience sang "Happy Birthday" to Governor Richardson, and he only looked a little embarassed.

At the JJ Dinner, Governor Richardson walked on stage with his wife and Nevada State Senator Maggie Carlton. First Lady Barbara Richardson stayed on stage during Governor Richardson's entire speech. She was very enthusiastic in support of her husband, and it was obvious that her presence gave Governor Richardson extra energy, because he had the audience cheering during his entire speech.

Thanks to John Hunt allowing Governor Richardson to speak first, First Lady and Governor Richardson were able to make an early exit in order to share a private dinner to celebrate Governor Richardson's birthday.

After the Jefferson-Jackson dinner, the Richardson for President national staff joined the Nevada staff for dinner for our own celebration: another successful visit to Nevada by Governor Richardson!