Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico formally announced his candidacy for president Monday, launching a bilingual campaign for the Democratic nomination that emphasized his Hispanic heritage, his extensive diplomatic and political experience and his knowledge of issues. Richardson chose to launch his bid in California, the state where he was born, in part to attract as much media attention as possible in a race that already includes numerous high-profile candidates.
After an introduction by his wife of 35 years, Richardson delivered a simple, straightforward announcement speech, outlining his basic proposals for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq, encouraging energy efficiency, providing health care insurance, boosting the middle class and addressing immigration. He presented himself as a pragmatist whose record in New Mexico proves his ability to pass legislation. Richardson, known as a boisterous character throughout his career as a member of Congress, an ambassador to the United Nations and U.S. energy secretary, also gave a frank assessment of his political strategy for the presidential campaign. He said that the accelerated Democratic nominating process -- with early primaries in large states such as New York, California and Florida that have significant Hispanic populations -- would give him an advantage.
He spoke repeatedly in Spanish, without offering an English translation, proudly declaring: "I am the first Latino to run for president in the Democratic Party." Richardson has drawn strong support from prominent Hispanics, especially in New Mexico. |