DES MOINES, IA-- New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson finished in fourth place in today's Iowa caucuses, moving his campaign forward to the New Hampshire primary on January 8th.
"We made it to the final four," Richardson said. "My staff and volunteers worked their hearts out to get us here. Now we are going to take the fight to New Hampshire."
Richardson received 7 % of the vote in entrance polls. After watching the results at a rally in Des Moines, he boarded a plane for New Hampshire.
"It has been an honor to meet with Iowans and be a part of this extraordinary process," Richardson said. "I am the one candidate who has said we must end this war by getting all our troops out of Iraq. We cannot truly change this country until we end this war- and we can only do that by getting every US troop out. Americans who want to get us out of Iraq aren't giving up and neither am I. We cannot end the division in this country until we are out of Iraq and we cannot focus on fixing our problems at home and our image abroad until our troops are out of Iraq. We cannot wait until 2013 or longer."
"Thank you, Iowa. Now we go on to New Hampshire."
Iowans Ruth Mahon, Kathy Mahoney and Judi Faas tell why they are going to caucus for Gov. Bill Richardson on Jan. 3.
Becoming a supporter of Governor Richardson was not a hard decision. As an active Democrat, I had heard very good things about his work in New Mexico. In March, just after the bad ice storm, the governor came and gave a talk at our headquarters. He was personable, and he had a good sense of humor and a good handshake. But it was several months later that I was reminded of his resume. Avery Dale, the field organizer for Marshall County was invited (along with the other candidates' speakers) to our women's group meeting to talk about the candidates' issues. In almost every sentence, Avery talked about Governor Richardson's background and experience. It was this event that made me realize that I needed to listen to him speak again -- to put together both sides of the governor--the friendly, plain-spoken man with a smile who has been U.N. Ambassador, U.S. Secretary of Energy, a hostage negotiator, a Congressman and the two-term Democratic governor of a red state.
As I started helping out as a volunteer, I realized how much work was involved in running and managing a campaign office. Avery is extremely dedicated. He takes an active role in the organization process, spending long hours working every day. I had the opportunity to help organize a visit from Governor Richardson to our senior center back in early November. We put up signs in the local businesses and phoned supporters about the event. I volunteered to work at the sign-in table. In addition, meeting the other volunteers has been rewarding - these are community members who also think that the future of our country is so important. I have been impressed by the hard work from people from all age groups and all walks of life. Governor Richardson appeals to people from all backgrounds because he has a positive view of the future and good, old-fashioned, Midwestern values.
Karin Hill
Marshall County Democrats Chair
Richardson for President Regional Leader
I have been talking to people in Madison and Union Counties. Most all of the people with whom I have had discussions, now in the hundreds, have considerable respect for Bill Richardson--for his extensive international expertise, his governmental experience, and his willingness to outline specifically how he will address our major problems.
People are especially attracted to his integrity, evident in his down-to-earth, straight-talking style about what can and cannot be done. Early on, in the campaign he called for immediate withdrawal of our troops from Iraq and publicly described exactly the necessary steps. More than any other candidate he has emphasized the importance of growing the US economy and creating jobs, as well as putting in place strategies for education and healthcare policy reform.
Because I am a brother-in law to Bill's wife Barbara, I see Billy both inside and outside the political arena. I am here because of the importance he places onIowa. Billy is the same guy in person as he is on the "stump"--a guy with a great sense of humor who stands by people, especially those who are having tough times.
Bill has dedicated his entire career to improving the quality of life of people throughout the world. He is a pragmatic visionary; a leader who not only has vision but who has the patience, skill, and relentless dedication necessary to achieve important goals. In plain speak, he is a doer!
I look forward to the coming weeks in Iowa, getting to understand a little better the great sense of community here. There is something very right about people getting together in their neigborhoods to exchange views about who should be our next President.
There is also something very right about Bill Richardson becoming our next President. Let's take the first step on January 3rd!!
Kind Regards,
Bill Walsh
Dear Reader,
My name is Kori, a New Hampshire transplant working in Des Moines, and today is the official 2-week anniversary of when I rolled into the campaign parking lot, excited to begin a new chapter of life, with tired eyes and a hopeful heart. Oh, and a bunch of spilled Pringles in the passenger's seat, but that's besides the point.
Now it's two days before Thanksgiving, the first I haven't spent with family or close friends (who is it that once said friends were the family we choose?), but instead of bemoaning that fact, I'm happy to be with others in the same situation. As it's the season for giving thanks, I must admit, here, that I am most thankful for having arrived at a friendly and motivating environment. We're all in the same boat here, swept up in the momentum of a campaign, away from friends and family, and getting through the days with only coffee and one another to keep us going.
The past two weeks have been a mixture of incredible energy and unnerving calm. It's a funny phenomenon on campaigns, how at one moment your to-do list look more like a novel, and two days later you're having to come to the conclusion that no, you don't in fact have something due within the next three hours. Time goes much faster. I'm actually convinced that Iowa moves to another dimension every four years before the Caucus where time passes twice as fast. It's a good thing though, because after all of this is over, I'll emerge a month and a half younger. Maybe that'll get rid of some of the premature wrinkles I'm developing. It's been stressful… an 80-hour work week will wreak havoc on any kind of normal pattern of life you were leading beforehand (be warned). That said, once you decide to commit to a campaign, you can't imagine life any other way. Its hard for me to imagine just a few months ago, a Tuesday would slowly roll around, and I'd go through options for the day. I'd get off of work with enough time to read a good book, go swing dancing with friends, or just sit in my backyard watching and naming the birds going in and out of the feeder (not in the "white-eared hummingbird" sense; my regulars were named Maximillian, Suzanne, and Fido). These days, my exercise consists of running to the printer, and dinner might be a trip to the gas station across the road. I get home at 10, take two hours to prepare for the next day, and wake up at 7. It's not as glamorous as it sounds. But there's something about this lifestyle that I vastly prefer to the lazy afternoons. Now, I feel that I am living a purposeful life. Supporting Governor Richardson gives me a sense of deeper satisfaction than I achieved during my "normal life." Working for Governor Richardson's campaign adds integrity to my own life. And as I've said before, we're all in this together. Staff, surrogates, our AMAZING volunteers (we really couldn't do it without you), and all of our supporters (without whom we literally wouldn't be here)... we all share pieces of a common dream. All the stress, all the early mornings and late night meetings--it's all worth it when we all combine our efforts and approach this as a team. Bill Richardson is a great guy, genuinely, and while I'm not going to say it's a pleasure working on his campaign at all times, it's more than worth it.
So this Thanksgiving, I'm going to say thanks for the great community that I've just entered into, for the fact that even after reading all the materials we have on his biography, I still admire Bill Richardson, and for all my friends from home (whom I've sorely neglected) still putting up with me not calling them back.
Oh, and another thanks to Taco Bell. I couldn't do dinner without you.
Rock on, Iowa.
At about noon on Thursday, the Governor spoke on Global Threats at the Temple for Performing Arts, and that night he had a town hall meeting at the Society of Italian-Americans to discuss the war in Iraq. At the second event, I got to do much more than the general office assignments of phone-calling and licking envelopes.
The night began with utilizing my photography skills (or fo-skills), taking pictures of set-up before the crowds arrived. Once the time got closer, I had the pleasure of checking in supporters as well as undecided voters. It was great discussing important issues with fellow Democrats who all had a thirst for change.
As the Governor arrived, the excitement really began. Despite the nuisance of rain and crummy weather, the venue was packed, and the press went on overdrive. Feeling like an unprofessional with my pocket-sized digital camera, I joined in along media photographers, taking countless snapshots of Governor Richardson and the enthused crowd. Our candidate spoke of what needed to be done in Iraq: a complete withdrawal of troops within a year of his taking office. His solution offered an end to the war, a promise many of the other candidates have been too uncertain to make.
After taking questions from the audience, the Governor went on his way to meetings and other campaign business. The following night, he spoke at a Polk County Democrats fundraiser at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This was a fantastic opportunity to meet more supporters and undecided voters to discuss issues important to them. Setting up for the event took a few hours, as our whole table and adjacent wall needed to be plastered with as much Richardson material as we could garner.
Soon after the event was underway, the Governor arrived and, feeling more confident with my photography, I went right after him with my camera to snap away.
When it came time for the Governor to speak, the atmosphere was electric. Richardson supporters all around the venue started waving signs and American flags. The Governor spoke more on Iraq and his plan for immediate withdrawal, as well as health care and his promise of a universalized system being put in place during his time in office. Governor Richardson's common-sense approach to the issues clearly appealed to the crowd.
By the time his ten minutes were up, he had to take off to New Hampshire, and his Iowa staff began to breathe a little. Now although I'm still relatively new to the campaign, I feel as though I've been a part of this grassroots movement to elect Richardson for quite some time. It's because the Governor stands for values Democrats have felt like they needed to suppress during these long Bush years. He stands for an expeditious, but safe, end to the war. He stands for healthcare for all, not just the well off. He believes in the public school system, and that students can receive the best education there and that teachers are paid accordingly. Governor Richardson is more in touch with what Democrats stand for than any other candidate, and for that, I'm proud to be an intern for his campaign.
Major Policy Speech - "Facing Down the Threats of the 21st Century"
WHEN: 12:00 NOON
WHERE: Temple for Performing Arts, 1011 Locust St., Grand Hall (4th Floor), Des Moines, IA
RSVP here.
Story County Conversation on Iraq
WHEN: 5:00 PM
WHERE: The S.C.O.R.E. Pavilion, 1543 Fawcett Parkway, Nevada, IA
RSVP here.
Polk County Conversation on Iraq
WHEN: 7:15 PM
WHERE: Society of Italian-Americans, 1801 SW McKinley Ave., Des Moines, IA
RSVP here.
Friday, October 19
Guthrie County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 9:00 AM
WHERE: Mary J. Barnett Memorial Library, 400 Grand St., Guthrie Center, IA
RSVP here.
Adair County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 11:15 AM
WHERE: Greenfield City Hall, Meeting Room, 202 S. 1st St., Greenfield, IA
RSVP here.
Adams County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 1:30 PM
WHERE: Corning Public Library Meeting Room, 603 9th St., Corning, IA
RSVP here.
Polk County Democrats Dinner
WHEN: Doors open at 5:00 PM; program begins at 5:45 PM
WHERE: Walnut Center, Iowa State Fairgrounds, E. 30th St. & E. University Ave., Des Moines, IA
Tuesday, October 9
Lee County Iraq Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: 1:00 PM
WHERE: Comfort Inn, Madison Room, 6169 Reve Ct. (Hwy 61 & Hwy 2), Fort Madison, IA
Van Buren County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 3:30 PM
WHERE: Van Buren County Courthouse, Magistrates Court Room, 4th & Dodge, Keosauqua, IA
Davis County Iraq Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 5:30 PM
WHERE: Lynch Realty Get Together Room, 107 E. Jefferson, Bloomfield, IA
Appanoose County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 7:30 PM
WHERE: The Continental, 217 N. 13th St., Centerville, IA
Wednesday, October 10
Monroe County Meet & Greet
WHEN: 7:45 AM
WHERE: Mom’s Place, 300 Highway 34 W, Albia, IA
Wapello County Iraq Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: 9:30 AM
WHERE: UAW Local 74 Hall, 205 N. James St., Ottumwa, IA
Jefferson County Iraq Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: 1:45 PM
WHERE: Fairfield Public Library, 104 W. Adams, Fairfield, IA
Henry County Iraq Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: 3:30 PM
WHERE: Mt. Pleasant Library and Civic Center, Second Floor Meeting Room, 307 E. Monroe, Mt. Pleasant, IA
Des Moines County Iraq Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: 5:30 PM
WHERE: IBEW Local 13 Hall (Old North Central School), 1205 N. Central Ave., Burlington, IA
WHEN: 9:15 AM
WHERE: Marengo Public Library, 235 E. Hilton St., Marengo, IA
RSVP here.
Washington County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 12:00 NOON
WHERE: Washington High School Auditorium, 313 S. 4th Ave., Washington, IA
RSVP here.
Muscatine County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 2:15 PM
WHERE: The Fiesta, 1919 Grandview Ave., Muscatine, IA
RSVP here.
Johnson County Democrats Barbecue
WHEN: 4:00 PM
WHERE: Johnson County Fairgrounds, 4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd. SE, Iowa City, IA
The genuine enthusiasm and friendliness of our staff is amazing. How many people do you know who take their day off of work for more work-related events? They're really putting the "axe to the grindstone," but loving every minute because they firmly believe that Governor Richardson is the leader our country needs. You can see it in this video I took of us marching and chanting, "I-O-W-A. Richardson All the Way!"
Our volunteer Iowans are certainly the most warmhearted and hardworking folk around, too. One local in Beaverdale brought dog treats to hand out, talking to every pooch owner along the parade route, after affixing "Richardson for President" bumper stickers to her wheelchair. Another local wore his "U.S. Army - Retired" hat plus a "Veterans for Richardson" t-shirt -- even after his service to this country, giving his time and energy toward the Democratic process.
Speaking of which, our Richardson shirts for Iowa are a pretty hot commodity. We have tees for veterans, for environmental responsibility, as well as ones that say "Change. Experience. Richardson." They come in a variety of colors, too!
Anyway, parades and walks such as these give us a great grasp on the area's impression of the Governor. Every place I go, people always say, "Oh, I love his commercials!" (and if you haven't seen them, check out the multimedia portion of this website -- they're pretty funny). Being pretty politically aware, many Iowans already knew about his unparalleled experience level; a bunch of parade-goers we met had already pledged their caucus support to Gov. Richardson beforehand!
Most often, event-goers will ask me when the Governor will be back in town. People in Iowa know that this man is all about face-to-face contact, to answer questions and thank you for listening in person. He's visited around 70 (out of 99) counties in Iowa so far (some multiple times) and plans are to make that number even higher. I travel with him during these visits and, let me tell you, that Johnny Cash "I've Been Everywhere" song should be our theme music!
Well, we're sad that parade season is coming to an end. But as fall comes, so does winter: caucus time! I'll see you there in January. In the meantime, happy reading!
Jenna Frosch,
Des Moines
This program is based on a very old-fashioned but highly effective strategy of doctors visiting you at home, combined with today's modern technology that allows quality care to be delivered at home. It will reduce bureaucracy and provide better delivery of actual health care services. It's a "21st Century House Calls" approach that has is working and it's time to move it to the national level and offer it to all our seniors. It will be under Medicare, at no additional cost to the system, and, in fact, with considerable savings.
That's what makes this approach a no-brainer. It costs less because it coordinates care, reduces bureaucracy and takes advantage of modern technology. Better care at a lower cost - no wonder no-one in Washington has tried to implement it!
This is just the kind of outside-Washington innovation that we need. As a Governor, Bill Richardson sees these kinds of programs on the ground everyday. With Washington broken the states are the innovators - and that's why he is running on a platform of change AND experience. And that's why I'm proud to be working for him.
From the Adler,
PK
Just before we left the hotel, Governor Richardson signed a pledge to AARP, Divided We Fail and most importantly, the American people. In part, The Governor supported:
- Providing every American with access to quality, affordable health care.
- Strengthening Social Security in a manner that treats all generations fairly.
- Providing Americans with greater access to retirement plans, financial incentives to retirement save, and tools to better manage their finances and help prepare them for retirement and;
- Developing policies that help ensure that all workers--regardless of age--can continue to work and contribute to society.
As he will announce tonight, in a landmark new policy introduction, Governor Richardson cares deeply for giving ALL Americans the ability to lead their lives to the greatest of their potential and making the most of their abilities.
The candidates have just left for the stage, so I am going to watch the Forum, but enjoy these pictures of the Governor signing the pledge.
PK
This event will also give the Governor a chance to run his win streak to four; most agree he was the best speaker at the Harkin Steak Fry, had the most meaningful message at the Univision event and, of course, we believe, as do the major media folks in Iowa, that the Governor was the candidate at the Drake debate that brought the most to the table. So after those three great events, we know the first forum in Davenport since 1987 will be a huge boon for the Richardson campaign.
A walkthrough is basically a chance for people like me, who go to events in advance of the Governor, to scout things out, prepare for his arrival and to see what he is walking into. In this case, the Adler is a beautiful older building in downtown Davenport. It seats about 2400 people on two levels (balcony seats!) and should be completely full tomorrow night. Tickets were available Wednesday morning from the Quad Cities Times, but I believe they have sold out.
So we looked at the entrances, the podiums, learned how long candidates will have to speak, who will stand where and where we will leave. That last part is important, because after we leave the building, at about 8:30, Governor Richardson will go to Boozie's Bar and Grill, about two blocks south of the Adler, on 3rd Street in downtown Davenport. He will be coming to Boozie's to meet supporters, both those who went to the forum and those who could not make it. Boozie, by the way, was a cat.
So, if you're in the area and don't have a ticket, but you want to support Governor Richardson on his way to the White House, be sure to drop by between 8:30 and 9:30! Otherwise, watch the Governor and the other candidates on IPTV throughout Iowa and on PBS stations throughout the United States, starting at 7 p.m. Central.
I'll have more impressions tomorrow. The building has wifi, so I'll try to send something during the run-up to the event.
pk
Pottawattamie County Discussion on Iraq
WHEN: 2:15 PM
WHERE: National Guard Armory, 2415 East Kanesville Blvd., Council Bluffs, IA 51502
RSVP here.
Woodbury County Discussion on Iraq
WHEN: 6:00 PM
WHERE: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1973, 2126 Court St., Sioux City, IA 51104
RSVP here.
Friday, September 14
Sioux County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 8:30 AM
WHERE: Orange City Library, Basement Meeting Room, 112 Albany Ave. SE, Orange City, IA 51041
RSVP here.
Osceola County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 10:15 AM
WHERE: Sibley Golf and Country Club, 700 11th Ave., Sibley, IA 51249
RSVP here.
Clay County Fair
WHEN: Soapbox speech at 1:30 PM; Democratic Booth at 2:00 PM
WHERE: Clay County Fairgrounds, 1401 4th Ave. W., Spencer, IA 51301
RSVP here.
Dickinson County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 3:15 PM
WHERE: Iowa Lakes Community College, Room 129, 800 21st St., Spirit Lake, IA 51360
RSVP here.
Emmet County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 5:00 PM
WHERE: Iowa Lakes Community College Auditorium, 300 S. 18th St., Estherville, IA 51334
RSVP here.
Saturday, September 15
Winnebago County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 8:30 AM
WHERE: Waldorf College, Campus Center, Faculty Lounge, 106 S. 6th St., Forest City, IA 50436
RSVP here.
Worth County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 10:15 AM
WHERE: Manly Café, 213 S. Broadway, Manly, IA 50456
RSVP here.
Cerro Gordo County Discussion on Iraq
WHEN: 11:30 AM
WHERE: Northern Iowa Community College Activities Center, 500 College Dr., Mason City, IA 50401
RSVP here.
Butler County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 3:30 PM
WHERE: Allison Public Library Meeting Room, 412 3rd St., Allison, IA 50602
RSVP here.
Franklin County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 5:00 PM
WHERE: Hampton City Hall Council Chambers, 122 1st Ave. NW, Hampton, IA 50441
RSVP here.
Wright County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 6:45 PM
WHERE: Lake Cornelia Shelter, 1768 Obrien Ave., Clarion, IA 50525
RSVP here.
Sunday, September 16
Tom Harkin's 30th Steak Fry
WHEN: 1:00 PM
WHERE: Indianola Balloon Fields, 3 miles east of the intersection of Highways 65/69 and 92, Indianola, IA
RSVP here.
Monday, September 3
Pre-Parade Breakfast with Council Bluffs and Omaha Union Members
WHEN: 8:30 AM
WHERE: Please contact the Richardson for President West Regional Field Office at (712) 352-0890 for more information.
Harrison County House Party
WHEN: 10:30 AM
WHERE: Please contact the Richardson for President West Regional Field Office at (712) 352-0890 for more information.
Northwest Iowa Labor Council Picnic
WHEN: 12:30 PM
WHERE: Riverside Park, 1201 Council Oak Dr., Sioux City, IA 51109
RSVP here.
Ida County House Party
WHEN: 3:15 PM
WHERE: Please contact the Richardson for President West Regional Field Office at (712) 352-0890 for more information.
Crawford County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 5:15 PM
WHERE: Cronk's Café, 812 4th St. S, Denison, IA 51442
RSVP here.
Shelby County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 7:30 PM
WHERE: ZC Sterling/Ci Direct, 2513 Southwest Ave., Harlan, IA 51537
RSVP here.
Tuesday, September 4
Union County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 8:30 AM
WHERE: Creston Restored Depot's Memorial Room, 116 W. Adams St., Creston, IA 50801
RSVP here.
Clarke County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 10:15 AM
WHERE: Southern Hills Winery, 1400 W. Clay St., Osceola, IA 50213
RSVP here.
Monday, August 27
LIVESTRONG Presidential Cancer Forum
WHEN: 10:00 AM
WHERE: US Cellular Center, 370 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
RSVP here.
Jones County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 2:00 PM
WHERE: Lawrence Community Center, 600 E. Main St., Anamosa, IA 52205
RSVP here.
Dubuque County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 5:15 PM
WHERE: Clarke College Atrium, 1550 Clarke Dr., Dubuque, IA 52001
RSVP here.
Tuesday, August 28
Clayton County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 9:30 AM
WHERE: Schera's Restaurant & Bar, 107 S. Main St., Elkader, IA 52043
RSVP here.
Allamakee County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 12:00 NOON
WHERE: Farmers and Merchants Bank Community Room, 201 W. Main St., Waukon, IA 52172
RSVP here.
Winneshiek County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 1:30 PM
WHERE: Oaks Steakhouse, 1101 Highway 9 W, Decorah, IA 52101
RSVP here.
Chickasaw County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 4:00 PM
WHERE: Carnegie Cultural Center, Ground Floor, 7 N. Water Ave., New Hampton, IA 50659
RSVP here.
Linn County Presidential Job Interview
WHEN: 7:15 PM
WHERE: Coe College, Gage Memorial Union, 2nd Floor, 1220 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
RSVP here.
Monday, August 27
WHEN: 10:00 AM - 12:00 NOON
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Center, 370 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
For Free Tickets, click here or contact Richardson for President at (319) 390-3277.
Governor Richardson serves as a Celebrity Chef at the Iowa Pork Producers Tent
Governor Richardson eats lunch at the Iowa Pork Producers Tent
Governor Richardson meets Iowans in the Agriculture Building, after viewing the Butter Cow
Governor Richardson introduces himself to some fair-goers
Governor Richardson speaks at the WHO TV stage
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