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Today former Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca endorsed the Governor. Mr. Iacocca also appears in a new online ad on behalf of Governor Richardson's candidacy.
In a statement, Mr. Iacocca said:
"Richardson's been a successful Governor, he's been a successful CEO. He's demonstrated that he knows how to negotiate with foreign leaders and lead on issues like global warming. Unlike others on the stump, he's offering bold plans, not just pandering talk. I like his jobs plan, his healthcare and energy plan, education plan and his plan to get us out of Iraq. I also just plain like the guy.
"While I believe every citizen should vote their own mind and conscience, I'd encourage you to take a long hard look at Bill Richardson for yourself. With his experience, character and vision, I believe he's the President we need right now."
Lee Iacocca is the founder of the Iacocca Foundation for diabetes research. A graduate of Lehigh University with a master's degree from Princeton University, he began his career at Ford Motor Company as an engineer but moved to sales shortly thereafter. Iacocca's innovative approach to the automotive industry led to his becoming President of Ford in 1970.
After a seven-year stint, he moved to Chrysler Corporation and became CEO at a time when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. By taking short-term loans from the federal government and shifting the company's inventory to more fuel-efficient models, Iacocca had Chrysler turning record profits within six years. Since his retirement as CEO in 1992, Iacocca has been active in philanthropic projects around the world.
The Governor, in a statement, thanked Iacocca for his support and promised to promote economic growth and the development of renewable energy sources as President.
"Lee Iacocca has lived the American dream, he went to school, worked hard, and, with a bit of luck, brought his creative ideas to fruition. I am glad to have the support of such a legendary problem-solver.
"I want every child in America to have a chance to be the next Lee Iacocca, and education is the first step. I have proposed a comprehensive plan that spans from pre-kindergarten to career training to improve our children's competitiveness in the global economy. Next, we need to grow our economy and provide jobs. We do not need new taxes to keep Social Security viable; increasing the economy's growth rate will do the trick. Finally, to save our planet and decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, we must research and develop renewable energy sources. Global warming is a serious threat to the livability of our planet; America must lead the world by adhering to the Kyoto Protocol and working to improve fuel efficiency standards.
"As President, I will be a leader, even when it is unpopular. America will rejoin the international community. Together, we will take on the problems of the day and defeat them."
Watch our new online ad featuring Lee Iacocca:
While other candidates are touting the endorsements they've received from this celebrity or that politico (who may have other agendas), here is a man who has no reason to support a candidate other than to let people know he believes in the credentials, experience and character of Governor Bill Richardson.
And, if the press doesn't pick this up and make some noise - well, we better!
We need a leader who is experience and mature in repairing the damages US made around the world and unite this country at home.
Bill Richardson is not an experienced leader but he is a person that can bring this country.
He has a tremendous amount of respect in the business community and I believe among voters who lived through the miracle turnaround of chrysler.
In a caucus state like Iowa it is the type of endorsement one can use if not to get the number 1 slot but the number 2.
I'm still shocked the media considers endorsements from state politicians newsworthy but this gets buried. No offense to state politicians but they are no Lee Iacocca's.
Personally I think the campaign should run a spot in Iowa introduced by the governor saying something like, I know you have all heard me talk to you about myself and now I'ld like you to hear from some people that have listened to what I have to say. And blend in Iacocca and spots from the CNBC interview. Economics matters. Tax cutting matters, especially in places like Iowa.
Richardson has a very patriotic invest in america theme to play up.
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