Democrats have a variety of choices before them Tuesday. None can match Richardson's experience.
He has served as a congressman where he was known for his ability to reach across the aisle and work with Republicans who respected him - though they often disagreed with his policies. He served as the United Nations ambassador and was secretary of energy in the Clinton administration, where he worked on policies aimed at reducing our dependence on foreign oil.
And he has for six years been governor of New Mexico where he has increased health care opportunities for children while balancing the budget every year.
Presidents of both political parties have called on him to negotiate with foreign leaders in tense times. He has worked with dignitaries in countries ranging from Great Britain to North Korea. On Day 1 of his presidency, he would be able to handle any crisis that comes before the administration.
In his trips to Claremont, he has impressed crowds with his knowledge of all kinds of domestic and foreign issues. He may lack the charisma of other candidates but none can top him in substance.
Voters will be lucky indeed if in November they have a choice between two intellectually honest, experienced men such as John McCain and Bill Richardson.
The Conway Daily Sun endorsed Governor Richardson today. They write:
Bill Richardson, the only heavy-weight in bout for Democratic nominationSen. Joe Biden, a contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, said in a recent interview that if it weren't for Iowa and New Hampshire, the candidate with the most money would always win.
Retail politics works. And it's not overstating it to say that because N.H. voters see, hear and meet the candidates in person, we are better informed than voters in the rest of country, who rely primarily on electronic media.
The result: N.H. voters often pick winners, and if not winners, candidates who, in hindsight, should have won. How much better off would the Republican Party-and the United States-be today if the rest of the country had followed New Hampshire eight years ago and elected
Sen. John McCain?
In 2000, the Sun was the only newspaper in New Hampshire to endorse McCain in the Republican primary. In 2004, we supported Gen. Wesley Clark over Sen. John Kerry in the Democratic primary. Granted, neither won, but we feel as good about those selections today as we did then.
We live in a world where Russia's leader may rewrite his country's constitution to maintain power, and where violence is often the political tool of choice, as in much of the Middle East. It is remarkable, and a testament to the strength of this country, that the next leader of the free world understands the real power of this country is in its people, and the path to the White House includes running the gauntlet at little N.H. newspapers like the Sun.
The editorial staff of the Sun is extraordinarily fortunate to have had exclusive access to the candidates. Without handlers at their sides or the national media butting in, most of the candidates have given our eight writers and editors an hour to engage in freewheeling question-and-answer exchanges.
Our staff takes seriously its bit part in selecting the next president. It is impossible to completely discount the "electability" factor and screen out mainstream media, but each of us weighs heavily what we observe in these editorial board interviews.
In our opinion, this year's Democrats are stronger than we've ever seen, and out of three that we believe could be good presidents, we endorse N.M. Gov. Bill Richardson.
It boils down to this: Sen. Barack Obama and former Sen. John Edwards are clearly highly principled people of integrity, and in another race the Sun would have supported one of them.
While Obama and Edwards have the big media budgets, neither has the experience of Richardson. And as for Hillary Clinton, this is what fringe candidate and straight-talking former Sen. Mike Gravel says.
"The Clintons should read the Constitution, eight years is all they get."
A handful of years as senator for each of them simply does not stack up to Richardson's powerful resume as a former congressman, energy secretary, U.N. ambassador, and now, governor of New Mexico.
Like our own Gov. John Lynch, Richardson is a big hit in his home state, where he is considered one of the nation's most environmentally-conscious governors. In New Mexico, he has raised the minimum wage, given all children under 5 access to health insurance, cut taxes and is pro-business.
On the national level, his experience negotiating with bad boys like Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro and the North Koreans is world-renowned. Richardson gained the reputation as Pres. Bill Clinton's top international troubleshooter, and during the '90s humorously referred to himself as the "undersecretary of thugs." His success as a negotiator also earned him four nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Richardson has heavyweight credentials for a heavyweight job; Obama, Edwards and Clinton, by comparison, have barely found their way into the ring.
The knock against Richardson is that he doesn't have the dynamic personality of Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton, although in person he's funny and engaging. Asked about this rap and to compare himself to Bill Clinton, Richardson says, "Yes, Clinton can electrify a room, but I can get it done." We're convinced he can, and we ask you to join us in voting for him.
To learn more about Richardson, read the Albuquerque Journal's comprehensive series on his life and career at www.abqjournal.com/richardson.
First Lady Barbara Richardson Will Join the Governor on Two-Day Swing
Governor Richardson will travel the Granite State this Tuesday and Wednesday holding Iraq Town Hall Meetings across the state. First Lady Barbara Richardson will join the Governor for the events in Manchester, Hudson, Pembroke and Dover.
Governor Richardson will also drop by the Bowl-A-Rama in Portsmouth.
Tuesday, December 18th
WHEN: 7:00 PM (Doors Open at 6:30 PM)
WHAT: Iraq Town Hall Meeting
WHERE: Franco-American Centre, 52 Concord St, Manchester
Wednesday, December 19th
WHEN: 9:00 AM (Doors Open at 8:30 AM)
WHAT: Iraq Town Hall Meeting
WHERE: Alvirne High School, 200 Derry Rd, Hudson
WHEN: 1:30 PM (Doors Open at 1:00 PM)
WHAT: Iraq Town Hall Meeting
WHERE: Pembroke Academy, 209 Academy Rd, Pembroke
WHEN: 6:00 PM
WHAT: Bowl-A-Rama Drop-In
WHERE: 599 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth
WHEN: 7:00 PM (Doors Open at 6:30 PM)
WHAT: Iraq Town Hall Meeting
WHERE: McConnell Center, 30 Saint Thomas St., Dover
###
Bill Richardson will return to the Granite State this Friday with kitchen table issues on his mind. Governor Richardson will hold six "Making Ends Meet" Town Hall Meetings across the state focusing on jobs, rising gas prices and health care costs and the real pocketbook issues confronting New Hampshire families.
"There are millions of Americans worried about keeping their jobs, their homes, their pensions and their quality of life," said Governor Richardson. "I'm proud to be the only Democrat in this race with a record of creating jobs and turning an economy around. I know how to do this because I've already done it."
Governor Richardson will also attend the AARP Candidate Forum in Concord and highlight the "New Hampshire Sportsmen for Richardson" Wild Game Potluck Supper in Berlin.
Friday, December 14th
WHEN: 8:00 AM
WHAT: AARP Candidate Forum*
WHERE: Courtyard by Marriott, 70 Constitution Ave, Concord
*RSVP required. Email dmckenna@richardsonforpresident.com to attend.
WHEN: 9:00 AM
WHAT: Media Availability
WHERE: Courtyard by Marriott, 70 Constitution Ave, Concord
WHEN: 12:15 PM (Doors Open at 11:45 AM)
WHAT: "Making Ends Meet" Town Hall Meeting
WHERE: Keene High School, 43 Arch St, Keene
WHEN: 3:30 PM (Doors Open at 3:00 PM)
WHAT: "Making Ends Meet" Town Hall Meeting
WHERE: Earl M. Bourdon Centre, 67 Maple Ave, Claremont
WHEN: 5:30 PM (Doors Open at 5:00 PM)
WHAT: Hanover "Presidential Job Interview"*
WHERE: Kendal at Hanover Retirement Community, 80 Lyme Road, Hanover
*RSVP required for non-Hanover Retirement Community residents. Email mmurov@richardsonforpresident.com to attend.
WHEN: 7:00 PM (Doors Open at 6:30 PM)
WHAT: "Making Ends Meet" Town Hall Meeting
WHERE: Lebanon High School, 193 Hanover Street, Lebanon
Saturday, December 15th
WHEN: 9:00 AM
WHAT: Tilt'n Diner Drop-In
WHERE: 61 Laconia Rd, Tilton
WHEN: 10:00 AM (Doors Open at 9:30 AM)
WHAT: "Making Ends Meet" Town Hall Meeting
WHERE: Hart's Turkey Farm Restaurant, 233 Daniel Webster Hwy, Meredith
WHEN: 12:30 PM (Doors Open at 12:00 PM)
WHAT: "Making Ends Meet" Town Hall Meeting
WHERE: Community House Annex, 141 Main St, Littleton
WHEN: 3:45 PM (Doors Open at 3:15 PM)
WHAT: "Making Ends Meet" Town Hall Meeting
WHERE: Kennett High School, 409 Eagles Way, Conway
WHEN: 6:00 PM (Doors Open at 5:30 PM)
WHAT: "New Hampshire Sportsmen for Richardson" Wild Game Potluck Supper
WHERE: Cook House, Northern Forest Heritage Park, 961 Main Street, Berlin
###
No wonder Al, Sr. and Bobby Unser won so many races. From November 28 to December 1, we drove them up and down New Hampshire, and they would not stop campaigning for their friend, Bill Richardson. They just won’t quit until the Governor becomes President.
The brothers gave new meaning to the Richardson 500, the name of their campaign tour: over four days, they traveled almost exactly 500 miles all over New Hampshire. They made about 35 different stops. They started in Nashua, cruised up through Franconia Notch and deep into the North Country, then wound their back down through the Lakes Region to Concord.
The Unsers didn’t mind the snowy roads, early mornings, and freezing temperatures. They smiled for dozens of pictures, signed hundreds of autographs, and shook thousands of hands. And at every stop, more people learned about the great things that Bill Richardson has done for the state of New Mexico. The Unsers kept saying, “Before Bill Richardson was Governor, New Mexico ranked last in everything good, and first in everything bad. Now, we’re proud of our state because the Governor has made it a great place to live, to do business, to enjoy the outdoors.”
In most of the places we stopped, there was a good mix of people who were already devoted Bill Richardson supporters and folks who were still undecided. Some people just wanted to meet the Unsers! But at every stop, Al and Bobby let everybody know that Bill Richardson is a great man and a bold leader, and the brothers convinced a whole lot of people to support the Richardson for President campaign.
One thing Bobby said during the trip keeps ringing in my head: “Everybody talks about change, but nothing happens. It’s time for a GOOD change, for a change! Wouldn’t that be nice?”
It would be nice. Lets keep following the Unsers lead (they’re used to being up front). We won’t stop until Bill Richardson is the winner in New Hampshire on January 8.
Legendary Indy car drivers Bobby Unser, Sr. and Al Unser, Sr. will stump the Granite State this week for Governor Bill Richardson. The famous brothers will highlight the Governor’s successful leadership of their home state of New Mexico, as well as his steadfast support for hunters and outdoorsmen.
“Bobby and I normally steer clear of presidential politics but we couldn’t sit this one out,” said Al Unser, Sr. “We’ve witnessed firsthand the difference that Bill Richardson’s leadership has made for the people of New Mexico and we know that he can be a real force for change in Washington, D.C.”
The “Richardson 500 Tour” will begin in New Hampshire’s Southern Tier and travel upwards into the North Country. There will be opportunities for photographs and autographs from the three-time and four-time Indianapolis 500 champions. Weather permitting, the events will also feature a sprint car similar to the type that Bobby drove to six consecutive victories at the Pikes Peak hillclimb. All events are free and open to the public.
Below are the complete public schedule and bios of the racing legends.
Wednesday, November 28
When: 4:45 PM
What: “Meet the Unsers” at the Nashua Harley-Davidson
Where: 717 Route 101A Merrimack
Thursday, November 29
When: 8:45 AM
What: “Meet the Unsers” at Bobby’s West Side Auto
Where: 12 Adams Street, Greenville
When: 11:15 AM
What: Drop by the Puritan Backroom
Where: 245 Hooksett Rd, Manchester
When: 1:15 PM
What: Drop by T-Bones
Where: 1182 Union Ave, Laconia
When: 3:00 PM
What: Drop by Tilton Diner
Where: 61 Laconia Rd., Tilton
When: 5:00 PM
What: “Meet the Unsers” at the Woodstock Inn & Brewery
Where: Route 3, Main St., North Woodstock
When: 7:15 PM
What: North Grafton Democratic Committee Meeting
Where: Crapo Building, 1411 Main St., Sugar Hill
Friday, November 30
When: 8:15 AM
What: “Meet the Unsers” at the Littleton Community House Annex
Where: 141 Main St., Littleton
When: 10:45 AM
What: Visit to White Mountains Regional High School
Where: 127 Regional Rd, Whitefield
When: 11:30 AM
What: Drop by Scorpio’s Pizza
Where: 180 Main St. Lancaster
When: 4:15 PM
What: “Meet the Unsers” at Emerson’s Outdoor Store
Where: 149 State St., Groveton
When: 7:00 PM
What: “Meet the Unsers” the Berlin VFW
Where: 1107 Main St, Berlin
Saturday, December 1
When: 8:15 AM
What: “Meet the Unsers” at the White Mountain Chalet
Where: 161 E. Milan Rd, Berlin
When: 9:45 AM
What: “Meet the Unsers” at LL Cote’s Outdoor Store
Where: 25 Main St., Errol
When: 12:00 PM
What: Drop by Mr. Pizza
Where: 160 Main St, Gorham
When: 1:15 PM
What: Drop by Red Fox Pub
Where: 49 NH Route 16, Jackson
When: 2:00 PM
What: Drop by Almost There Sports Bar
Where: 1287 NH Route 16, Albany
When: 3:45 PM
What: Drop by The Barn Door
Where: 29 Allen Road, Wolfeboro
When: 5:45 PM
What: Drop by the Granite Steak and Grill
Where: 11 Farmington Road, Rochester
When: 7:30 PM
What: “Meet the Unsers” at Makris Lobster and Steak House
Where: 354 Sheep Davis Road, Concord
Read More »Check out these two video clips from the debate:
On Iraq:
On Energy:
If you don't believe me that Governor Richardson was at the top of his game last night check out this poll by Nevada's leading newspaper. HERE.
It was a perfect lead in to the Governor's trip to New Hampshire this week. He got me all siked for the Veterans Policy address in Manchester on Monday, and the Health Care town halls on Tuesday. As always keep checking this site for the latest updates on Governor Richardson and his campaign to change America.
The first annual Manchester City Marathon was held today, featuring 1,600 runners from New Hampshire and 37 other states across the country. On the campaign trail for Governor Richardson, we go where the people are, and today we went to spread Governor Richardson's message and meet people as they ran 26 miles up and down the streets of Manchester.
We were out early, waving Richardson rally signs and cheering for the runners at 8:30 on the starting line by Veterans Park on Elm. With so many people from all across the state and the country it was too good of an opportunity to show our support for Governor Richardson to pass by.
As runners came back to Elm Street for the halfway mark, three men running the full 26 miles in green tartan kilts saw our signs and began cheering for Richardson. It was amazing, they had just passed the water table on mile 13, and as one of the men raised his hand to cheer, his cup of water spilled across the street.
I don't know how they were running a marathon and still had energy to cheer, but it was awfully inspiring. A great way to start the week. The weather is getting colder here, but the race is heating up. Stay tuned to this site for more news on Governor Richardson and his visits to the Granite State.
November 2, 2007
Manchester, NH – Governor Bill Richardson will return to the Granite State on Thursday for events in Manchester, Concord and Portsmouth. The Governor will appear at the Center for U.S. Global Engagement’s Impact ‘08 event to discuss his vision for restoring America’s leadership in the world. Governor Richardson will also hold events in Concord and Portsmouth to discuss his bold plan to eliminate our nation’s crippling dependence on foreign oil, while rapidly cutting climate-changing emissions. These ideas are the focus of the Governor’s new book, Leading By Example: How We Can Inspire an Energy and Security Revolution.
Thursday, November 8th
When: 8:30 AM
What: Impact ’08 in New Hampshire: Building a Better, Safer World – Featured Speaker
Where: Institute of Politics, Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH
When: 9:30 – 10:30 AM (Doors Open at 9:00 AM)
What: Book Signing, Discussion, and Q&A
Where: Gibson's Bookstore, 29 South Main Street, Concord
When: 1:00 PM (Doors Open 12:30 PM)
What: Seacoast Media Group “Energy Forum”*
Where: Seacoast Media Group, 111 New Hampshire Ave., Portsmouth
*Space is limited. RSVP by e-mail only to mmccord@seacoastonline.com.
###
Governor Richardson was in Concord today and officially entered the historic first in the universe New Hampshire Primary.
Watching Governor Richardson sign his name to the filing forms on the historic antique desk upon which all Presidential candidates in New Hampshire sign there name was an experience I will never forget. It is a moment that I will never forget. One that I will tell my children and grandchildren about, "I was there when President Bill Richardson officially placed his name on the New Hampshire primary ballot."
"The Governor sat at the 200 year old desk that was in the State House in 1819 when it opened signed his name and then wrote 'Candidate for the Office of the President of the United States' beside it."
In American politics there are few if any certainties, things which never change. The New Hampshire primary, the process through which all Presidential candidates are vetted, examined, pushed and prodded by the residents of the Granite State, is a constant. That anyone with just $1000 and a vision for the country can place themselves in contention for the Presidency of the United States is a testament to American democracy. It is a reminder that regardless of all the media coverage of polls and fundraising this is nation where anyone can be President.
I am extremely proud to have Governor Richardson place his name amongst so many other great Americans who have sought this highest office.
Now its time to win -- see you on the trail and stay tuned here for more information on Governor Richardson's campaign.
Promoted by Joaquin.
Being a native of Manchester, NH I spent the summer working for the campaign (I was the first Richardson intern in the Granite State), and left when the fall term started. Needless to say, I'm always thinking about how much I miss working to elect the only candidate who truly knows how to put our country back on track, and looking forward to my return at the end of the semester. Meanwhile, I've still been watching the election very closely, and I saw some weeks ago that a Boston musician named Louie Bello had written and recorded a song that really captures the essence of Governor Richardson's message and this campaign, which is really about all of us as well. It's called "Change is Coming", and when I heard it, I was inspired to make a music video of sorts, trying to convey that message, the energy of the Governor and everyone else who's working so hard to elect him, and what it feels like to be a part of this phenomenal campaign.After calling it "Bello BR Montage" throughout the many hours I spent putting this together, I was thinking about the video and what it means as it was uploading to YouTube--the name just came to me, and I knew immediately that it was perfect:
A Change is Coming -- Bill Richardson is Unstoppable
"Run Bill Run!" Was the cheer of the crowd assembled at Governor Richardson's House Party in Hollis over the weekend. "Don't sleep just keep campaigning."
The Governor had arrived an hour and a half earlier, giving his customary brief stump speech followed by numerous questions from the assembled Granite State voters. One woman stood up to ask her question and said, "I came here as a Hillary supporter, but now I'm supporting you."
The Governor stopped at Keene State later in the day and spoke to the Set America Free coalition, a group of national security, religious and environmental leaders working to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil. He renewed his vow to cut energy dependency, to provide national leadership on the issue as President. By cutting oil demand 50% by 2020, green house gas emissions 90% by 2050, and providing economic incentives to promote green energy industry.
Governor Richardson's wife, First Lady Barbara Richardson, was also in New Hampshire accompanying the him on the trip. Although she is a native New Englander, and an alumna of Colby Sawyer College in New London this was her first time traveling the Granite State with him since April during the snow storm.
Barbara Richardson hosted several events with the Governor during the weekend, but also held several of her own including a women's advocacy reception in Concord.
Governor Richardson has a strong women's policy agenda, that includes calling for the passage of the ERA to finally, constitutionally, give women the equality they are due. But that wasn't what Barbara Richardson was there to discuss. As First Lady of New Mexico she has been a leader on a number of issues, and is the only First Lady in the nation to have an office in the State House.
Her primary focus has been on the prevention of domestic violence, and just like her husband she is a force to be reckoned with, pushing hard for needed reform. Barbara headed a commission to study 'best practices' of domestic violence prevention around the country. After a year of intensive research, when she went to Bill with all of the information, his response was, "what do you need?"
Together they established a Domestic Violence Czar to be the point person in the fight against domestic violence in New Mexico, and increased funding for shelters and mentoring programs. As a result, New Mexico has become a leader in the prevention of domestic violence, improving and saving the lives if numerous women.
In the light of issues like the War in Iraq, and health care, energy and immigration reform, we forget about some lower profile government initiatives and what an astounding effect they have on our lives. As the First Lady said both she and Governor Richardson believe strongly, "in the power of one person to affect positive change in people's lives."
Stay tuned to this website for more on the Governor's upcoming visits.
Governor Richardson will also campaign in Durham, Manchester, Pelham, Hollis, Rindge and Keene. Barbara Richardson will hold events in Exeter, Salem, Concord and Manchester.
Bill Richardson continues to outwork the other presidential candidates in the Granite State. Since July, the Governor has held 58 “Presidential Job Interviews” and other public events across New Hampshire, more than any other Democratic candidate.
Governor Richardson
Saturday, October 20th
When: 10:00 AM (Doors Open 9:30 AM)
What: Durham “Presidential Job Interview”
Where: Home of Denise Sassaman, 2 Emerson Road, Durham
When: 1:15 PM (Doors Open 12:45 PM)
What: North Hampton “Presidential Job Interview” with First Lady Barbara Richardson
Where: Home of Patty O’Connor, 10 Mill Road, North Hampton
When: 5:00 PM (Doors Open 4:30 PM)
What: Meet and Greet
Where: J.W. Hill Restaurant, 795 Elm St., Manchester
Sunday, October 21st
When: 8:30 AM
What: Alicia’s Diner
Where: 116 Bridge St., Pelham
When: 12:00 PM (Doors Open 11:30 AM)
What: Bedford “Presidential Job Interview” with First Lady Barbara Richardson
Where: Home of Carolyn Richmond, 37 Pebble Beach Dr, Bedford
When: 2:00 PM (Doors Open 1:30 PM)
What: Hollis “Presidential Job Interview”
Where: Home of Dr. Robert Oot and Dr. Carol Robey, 9 Mendelssohn Dr., Hollis
When: 4:00 PM (Doors Open 3:30)
What: Franklin Pierce University “Presidential Job Interview”
Where: Pierce Hall, 40 University Drive, Rindge
When: 6:00 PM (Doors Open 5:30)
What: Set America Free “Primary Energy: ’08 Series”
Where: Mabel Brown Room, Keene State College, 229 Main St., Keene
Barbara Richardson
Saturday, October 20th
When: 10:00 AM
What: Retirement Community Visit
Where: 7 Riverwoods Dr., Exeter
When: 1:15 PM (Doors Open 12:45 PM)
What: North Hampton “Presidential Job Interview” with Governor Richardson
Where: Home of Patty O’Connor, 10 Mill Road, North Hampton
When: 4:00 PM (Doors Open 3:30 PM)
What: Meet and Greet
Where: Home of Lexi Roth, 103 Corinthian Dr, Salem
Sunday, October 21th
When: 9:00 AM
What: Meet and Greet
Where: Heart's Desire Bakery, 11 Main Street, Greenville NH
When: 12:00 PM (Doors Open 11:30 AM)
What: Bedford “Presidential Job Interview” with Governor Richardson
Where: Home of Carolyn Richmond, 37 Pebble Beach Dr, Bedford
When: 2:00 PM (Doors Open 1:30 PM)
What: Women’s Advocacy Reception
Where: 18 Low Ave., Concord – 2nd Floor Lobby
When: 4:30 PM (Doors Open 4:00 PM)
What: Meet and Greet
Where: Franco-American Centre, 52 Concord St, Manchester
###
Promoted by Joaquin- Another great report from New Hampshire!
It's official, Governor Bill Richardson loves New Hampshire. So much in fact that we couldn't get him away from the Portsmouth Democrats where he was keynoting their annual dinner. "You're more important," he joked. "I don't recall Keith voting in New Hampshire!" Thankfully, Governor Richardson made the Olbermann interview on time and was great - you can watch it here (link).
The Governor's latest New Hampshire trip, his seventh since July, was headlined by the unveiling of his national education policy at Manchester High School West. Speaking the school auditorium that bears his name, Bob Baines, the former Manchester Mayor and principal of Manchester High School West introduced the Governor to an auditorium packed with students, teachers, local education officials and Granite State voters.
"Let us once again measure our national greatness not by the hardness of our walls or the easy accumulation of material things…but by the cultivation of learning, the quality of our national character, and the frank determination to make tomorrow better than today for all mankind," the Governor said.
He went on to propose a series of bold initiatives, paid for in full by smart cuts to wasteful and outdated military programs.
The Governor called for:
-- full-day preschool for every 4-year-old
-- full funding of Head Start
-- scrapping No Child Left Behind
-- raising starting teacher salaries to an average of $40,000 annually
-- 100,000 new math and science teachers
-- 250 math and science academies
-- a bold public service program offering two years of college tuition in exchange for one year of service
-- a renewed investment in music and the arts
-- eliminating "junk food" in schools
The Governor received a standing ovation as he finished the address, and stayed for a long time to answer questions from community members and students.
Bold ideas, and the experience to make them really happen - that's why I'm supporting Governor Richardson.
Promoted by Joaquin- This is a great on the ground report from NH!
Kicking off Granite State campaign swing this afternoon at Manchester West High School, Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM) proposed an ambitious public service program that would give Americans the opportunity to attend 2 years at a public college or university after completing 1 year of public service with a plethora of programs including AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps.
Last night, word that Governor Richardson's would unveil an education plan rooted in service - and he delivered with both passion and conviction!
"The vital spirit of service that fought the Nazis in the forties and sustained the Peace Corps in the sixties is alive in America today. As President, I will create a national service program that pays two years of college for one year of service. We need more college graduates. And we need more men and women who are willing to serve their fellow citizens. So let us once again measure our national greatness not by the hardness of our walls or the easy accumulation of material things, but by the cultivation of learning, the quality of our national character, and the frank determination to make tomorrow better than today for all mankind."
Governor Richardson made it clear that his National Service plan was about being part of something greater than oneself and that it would take bold leadership from the next President of the United States to turn public policy into civic action.
"I will call on Americans to serve their country and the world. After 9/11, Americans stood ready to serve. But President Bush asked most of us to sit back and sulk. We need real leadership now."
Later, at an evening "Presidential Job Interview" in Concord, Governor Richardson again highlighted his plan - to an enthusiastic response!
"I would have a new plan based on John F. Kennedy when he said we have to give a little bit for our country. That involves paying off college loans. Today, kids it's taking 'em 7 years to pay off the loans from ripoff artists - banks, college loan entities. I would replace that largely with a plan that says this... the governement will pay 2 years tuition. In exchange, 'Young person, you give this nation one year of National Service.'
- much applause -
"That could be cleaning a forest or cleaning a river or working in the inner-city or working in a hospital or being in the military... doing something for the country. We've got to be more creative in our solutions."
Governor Richardson was one of the very first Presidential candidates to sign the ServeNext Presidential Pledge to Expand National Service, which will expand AmeriCorps to 170,000 members by 2012.
Promoted by Joaquin- This will be a great trip for the Governor. See you there!
Governor Bill Richardson returns to the Granite State next week for a two-day campaign swing with a heavy focus on education. Governor Richardson will unveil his national education policy at Manchester High School West and participate in the NEA’s "School House to the White House" event, spending a morning in the classroom of a New Hampshire elementary school.
The Governor’s trip will also include keynote addresses before the Clean Air-Cool Planet Energy & Climate Solutions Conference, New Hampshire Latino Summit and the Portsmouth Democrats Annual Banquet.
Bill Richardson continues to outwork his opponents, day in, day out, on the campaign trail. The Governor has held 51 "Presidential Job Interviews" and other public events across New Hampshire, more than any other Democratic candidate, with another seven scheduled for this trip.
Thursday, October 11th
When: 8:30 AM
What: "School House to White House" Event*
Where: Manchester, NH
*Closed to the general public. Media RSVP required for school security purposes.
When: 12:00 PM (Doors Open 11:30 AM)
What: National Education Policy Speech
Where: Manchester High School West, 9 Notre Dame Avenue, Manchester*
*RSVP required for school security purposes – email jblanchard@richardsonforpresident.com
When: 5:00 PM (Doors Open 4:30 PM)
What: Concord "Presidential Job Interview"
Where: Mill Brook Gallery & Home of Pam Tarbell, 236 Hopkinton Road, Concord
When: 6:30 PM
What: New Hampshire Latino Summit*
Where: Southern New Hampshire University, 2500 N. River Rd, Hooksett
*Ticket required – visionhispananh@yahoo.com for details
Friday, October 12th
When: 8:00 AM (Doors Open 7:30 AM)
What: Salem Chamber of Commerce "Presidential Job Interview"
Where: Southern New Hampshire University (Salem Campus), 19 Keewaydin Dr # A, Salem
When: 9:30 AM
What: "Politics and Eggs" Candidate Series*
Where: Bedford Village Inn, 2 Olde Bedford Way, Bedford
*Ticket required – email ecrew@richardsonforpresident.com for details
When: 3:30 PM
What: Clean Air-Cool Planet "Energy & Climate Solutions Conference*
Where: Center of New Hampshire Radisson, 700 Elm St., Manchester
*Ticket required – email rstephenson@cleanair-coolplanet.org for details
When: 5:45 PM (Doors Open 5:30 PM)
What: Somersworth "Presidential Job Interview"
Where: Somersworth High School, 11 Memorial Drive, Somersworth
When: 7:00 PM (Doors Open 6 PM)
What: Portsmouth Democrats Banquet*
Where: Sheraton Harborside Hotel, 250 Market Street, Portsmouth
*Ticket required – email t.s.slater@comcast.net for details
For many people September 26th was just another Democratic Debate, but for me and nearly 50 Tufts University students it was an exciting day of supporting the best candidate to be our next President. Governor Richardson has a strong connection to Tufts, he is an alumnus twice over, graduating from Tufts University in 1970 and the Fletcher School in 1971. During his time at Tufts, he was a standout pitcher for the 'Jumbos' baseball team.
We left the Tufts University campus on yellow school bus packed with students and two New Hampshire bloggers at three in the afternoon. It took nearly three hours to reach Hanover, NH, but the trip was well worth it. The Tuftonians all got into the spirit of the day and ran onto the center of the Dartmouth green, chanting; “Tufts University is here today, Supporting Bill Richardson all the way,” and waving signs. A video of the Tufts, and the Governor’s other volunteers is here.
There was an diverse blend of students on the bus, all different class years, and academic majors - they came from all over the United States, there was even a freshman from Israel. For her, the Governor’s stance on the Middle East, that he would make a “cornerstone of our foreign policy...the strength and the security of Israel,” was extremely important. Another student had been a fan of the Governor for years. Ever since he saw him speak at the United Nations in New York city on a field trip, during the Governor‘s time as the United States U.N. Ambassador.
For me the most revealing moment of the night was during the debate when the other candidates again refused to answer the Governor’s question of “how many troops they would leave in Iraq and for how long?” By 2013 we would still have American troops in Iraq - years after every single one of those Tufts students will have graduated we will still be fighting this war. Governor Richardson has been clear on this issue, he will get all American troops out of Iraq within a year, leaving no residual forces behind. After watching the debate as a huge group in the Governor’s Lebanon office at 85 Mechanic Street in Lebanon, we all packed back on to the bus to make a special stop on our way home.
Tired from a long day and hours of cheering and waving signs for the Governor, the Tufts kids stumbled out of our yellow bus to see the Governor off at the airport. A final rousing cheer erupted, as the Governor pulled up to the gate and got out of the car. The Tufts students chanted “Rich-ard-son, Rich-ard-son, Rich-ard-son” so loudly, some of the airport staff came outside to see what was going on.
“It was a great experience to travel up to New Hampshire with my friends to support Governor Richardson, a Tufts alum,” said Mimi Briskman, a Tufts sophomore from Orlando Florida. The Governor talked to his fellow Jumbos, shaking hands and taking pictures, thanking everyone for their support and vowing to outwork all the other candidates. “Everyone got a thrill cheering before the debate and having the opportunity to meet him after, she continued.”It was the perfect end to the night, and one that neither I nor the over three dozen students I traveled with will ever forget.
Join committed Bill Richardson supporters from throughout the Northeast on the evening of September 26th for the next Democratic debate at Dartmouth College. Prior to the debate, our grassroots campaign will hit the streets of Hanover to show our support for Governor Bill Richardson. Then join fellow Richardson supporters for our Debate Watch Party and cheer the Governor on to victory! Food and beverages will be provided.
What: Democratic Debate Visibility and Watch Party
When: September 26th, 4:00 PM
Where: Richardson for President Campaign Office 85 Mechanic St., Suite 240, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03766
CLICK HERE TO RSVP Online Now You can also call our New Hampshire headquarters at (603) 296-9670 or email us a nh@richardsonforpresident.com for more information.