High Ambition: Richardson Eyes the White House - Part 4 (His years as a power governor)

The Albuquerque Journal ^ | February 11, 2007 | Thomas J. Cole

[CedarDave]

Twenty days after being sworn in as governor, Bill Richardson [delivered] his State-of-the-State Address. ... This governor, a Democrat, packed an ambitious agenda: cut taxes, abolish the state board of education, help seniors with prescription drugs, crack down on drunken drivers and more. ... He quoted lyrics from Bob Dylan's '60s protest song "The Times They Are A-Changin'," warning lawmakers not to "stand in the doorway" or "block up the hall" as he pushed his agenda. "We won't be impeded," ...

The hard-charging Richardson, known to some as King Bill or GovZilla, has seemingly been on the move ever since that January day in Santa Fe.

Richardson consolidated power in his office, rewarded loyalists, brazenly punished opponents and polished his image as a tireless self-promoter while tightening controls over information.

Richardson has used his power to seek and get change in virtually every corner of New Mexico life, from slashing income taxes to creating pre-kindergarten to planning for a spaceport.

~~ snip ~~

Richardson hasn't always gotten what he wanted from the Legislature, most notably an increase in the minimum wage and comprehensive tax reform. His tax cuts— at least initially— were more than offset by increases in other taxes and fees.

There also have been questions about Richardson's friends and appointees and about campaign contributions from people or companies who have gotten state government contracts or favors.

Richardson is widely known for his gregarious personality, ... and love of sporting events, cigars, fine food and good drink.

He zipped about New Mexico in helicopters and speeding SUVs and jetted around the country in private aircraft to politic and attend major sporting events.

Richardson also has had his minions fetch his Starbucks and New York Times, apply his makeup and closely script his words— jokes included.

[Beagle8U]

"Richardson also has the potential to be the biggest threat in the general election. IMO he has about a 100/1 shot at getting the Democratic nomination but if he does get it, IMO he'd beat any GOP nominee but Giuliani."

Anti-gun Rudy will beat pro-gun Richardson ? Not a chance.

[leprechaun9]

Richardson's principal role was employment agent for Monica Lewinsky!

[Thud]

President Richardson, to appease the Democratic base once elected, will appoint Lorena Bobbit as Secretary of Gun Control.

[conservativeharleyguy]

I'll quote Senator Byrd, of the Governor's own vaunted Democratic Party, in reference to then Energy Secretary Big Bill Richardson's handling of the WenHo Lee/missing hard drives cases: "You've shown a contempt of Congress that borders on supreme arrogance of this institution. I think it's rather a sad story, because you've had a bright and brilliant career. But you would never, you would never again receive the support of the Senate of the United States for any office to which you might be appointed. It's gone. You've squandered your treasure, and I'm sorry"...

It's the only thig Sen. Byrd ever said that I agree with.

[Beagle8U]

"President Richardson, to appease the Democratic base once elected, will appoint Lorena Bobbit as Secretary of Gun Control."

The key is "once elected". Right now he has no record of being for gun control and has been endorsed by the NRA in the past. He is one of the last moderate dims if you go by his record. He is even for ending the anchor baby citizenship scam. BTW...Rudy is just as likely to appoint Sara Brady the guru of gun control.

With Rudy's "issue problems" he would have zero, zip, nadda chance of beating him.