Richardson Supporters: Why Bill?

[rjones2818]

This is the fifth in a series of postings asking supporters why they support their candidate. It started with a different poster asking why Hillary supporters support here. I've continued with Kucinich, Edwards and Obama postings. Here's a chance for Bill Richardson's supporters to give us reasons why they support him!

Have at it!

:beer: :toast:

[Faryn Balyncd]

1. Bill Richardson clearly addresses the issue of permanent occupation of Iraq......

.....while others mouth words against the war, and even use the word "withdraw", when, in fact, they anticipate the long-term, if not permanent, military occupation of Iraq.

Bill Richardson, in sharp distinction, stands for true, total military withdrawal from Iraq, and say so unequivocally.

He does not play word games.

Interestingly, in addition to speaking truth plainly, he also has more experience in actual, and successful, diplomacy than all the other candidates combined.

[michreject]

2. He's pro gun

and has a CCW permit.

[seasat]

3. He has done what others only talk about.

He's strong on civil liberties. He opposed the Patriot act back in '03 and he spoke out against Real ID. he wrote an executive order granting partnership rights to GLBT state employees and he pushed through a marijuana bill in a former red state. He would close Guantanamo, all the secret prisons, and sign the international treaties now ignored by the Bush administration.

He's got the best record on the environment. He was speaking out about global warming in the 90's before it was politically correct. He's successfully fought against drilling and mining in protected wilderness areas. He pushed through probably the most aggressive green house gas reduction plan in a state that has a large oil and gas business. He's also got the most aggressive and detailed plan on green house gas reductions of any candidate. He also has addressed and made part of his platform water conservation.

He's got experience in all forms of government. He was a US representative for 15 years, chief deputy whip, US ambassador, Secretary of Energy, and now Governor of New Mexico. He has served as a successful diplomat in negotiating the release of several hostages, getting the nuclear arms talks with N. Korea back on track, and a cease fire in Darfur. That means he'll be great at repairing the international damage done by Shrub Inc.

He strongly emphasizes deficit reduction in his platform. He's supported balancing the budget throughout his career. This is an important issue to me since I think our high debt, especially held by foreign countries like China, make us economically vulnerable.

His stance on the Iraq war is best. We'll not get these folks to the negotiating table without a complete withdrawal. The factions in Iraq and the surrounding countries have no incentive as long as our military maintains a presence there.

He's 3/4 Hispanic which would energize that voting block. He's a Western governor. There are several competitive races out west such as McCain's senate seat and Domenici's senate seat which would get a boost with him on the ticket. Independents are one of the largest percentages of his poll numbers indicating a lot of cross over appeal.

Based on his record he would be great at getting our agenda through congress. He's accomplished many of his goals by winning conservatives over without having to reach a compromise that dilutes the intent of the legislation.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

4. I Like His Bolo Ties

-:)