Video (4min 44sec) of former Taos Congressman, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson announcing the formation
of a Presidential campaign exploratory committee, with the clear
intention of seeking the Democratic nomination for President in 2008.
"I am taking this step because we have to repair the damage that's been
done to our country over the last six years," said Richardson. "Our
reputation in the world is diminished, our economy has languished, and
civility and common decency in government has perished."
"The next president of the United States must get our troops out of
Iraq without delay. Before I became Governor of New Mexico, I served as
Ambassador to the United Nations and as Secretary of Energy. I know the
Middle East well and it's clear that our presence in Iraq isn't helping
any longer," said Richardson.
"Our next President must be able to bring a country together that is
divided and partisan," said Richardson. "It is clear that Washington is
broken and it's going to take a return to bipartisanship and simple
respect for each other's views to get it fixed. Most public policy
solutions these days are coming from Governors and state government. On
issues like the environment, jobs, and health care, state governments
are leading the way. And that's because we can't be partisan or we
won't get our jobs done. That's a lesson I've learned as Governor and
that's what I'll do as President."
