Prominent Utah Demos endorse N.M.'s Richardson

Several local Democratic leaders endorsed New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson for their party's presidential nomination Friday afternoon, just hours before Richardson was due in Salt Lake City for a campaign fund-raiser.

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, state Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake, and Hispanic leader David Ibarra held a press conference outside City Hall to say Richardson is the best man to win the Democratic presidential nomination and the best man to be the country's next president.

Richardson held a fund-raiser Friday evening at This Is the Place Heritage Park and then spoke at the annual Democratic Party's Jefferson/Jackson Day dinner.

Anderson read a long list of Richardson accomplishments and complaints against the current Republican presidential administration and said Richardson would set the United States on the right path and regain America's world admiration.

"Above all, Bill is one of the nicest guys anyone will ever find. He is the real thing," said Anderson.

Corroon said he has come to know Richardson as governor of New Mexico and has great respect for what he's done in his broad-based career.

What kind of president do Americans want, asked Corroon?

How about a diplomat who knows foreign affairs? Richardson has been an ambassador to the United Nations and personally worked to free any number of hostages in all kinds of situations.

How about a legislator? Richardson has been in the U.S. House.

How about someone who knows the West? Richardson is a Western governor.

How about someone who can deal with energy and environmental concerns? Richardson has been U.S. secretary of energy.

How about someone who has executive branch experience? Richardson has been a governor and has run a federal Cabinet department.

"That is why I endorse Bill Richardson," Corroon said.

Anderson said that Richardson has lowered crime on the U.S./Mexican border by 90 percent in some locales by beefing up border policing.

At the same time, Richardson has promoted an immigration policy that is humane to immigrants, legal and illegal alike.

"He gives dignity to peaceful, hardworking immigrants while ensuring that our laws comport with our practices," said Anderson.

Richardson is the only candidate with the experience "to solve our most pressing domestic challenges ... This is a man who brings people together, of all parties, of all political persuasions. He can absolutely unify this country."

Richardson is a leader in the fight against global warming, on energy policy, human rights and a more just, stable world, said Anderson.

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