Bill Richardson Last Update: 10/17/07 Biography

Democratic Party Bill Richardson 2008 Candidate for President of the United States of America Campaign Website | Candidate Forum

			Issues

(Select An Issue to Jump Directly) Abortion Affirmative Action Darfur Death Penalty Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Energy Plan Free Trade Global Warming Guantanamo Bay Detainment Camp Gun Control Health Care Immigration Iran Iraq Plan Kyoto Protocol Line Item Veto Medical Marijuana Military Contractors Military Funding Minimum Wage Increase National Deficit Net Neutrality No Child Left Behind Act Nuclear Power Outsourcing Same-Sex Marriage School Vouchers Stem Cell Research Tax Reform The Military Commissions Act of 2006 The Patriot Act Top Contributors & Amounts Unemployment

	Bill Richardson on Abortion
	Stance: Pro-Choice Description: Richardson stated, "And I want to protect the rights and health of our younger women too. The right to control their own reproductive choices, and the right to medical privacy. I am the ONLY candidate to explicitly commit to protecting Roe v. Wade through appointing ONLY Supreme Court justices who recognize it as settled law. Some people call this a "litmus test." I call it respecting precedent and putting women's lives above politics.The United States should end the global gag rule on family planning and restore funding for women's health research here in the United States. " Citations: 1. Speech: Women for Richardson Announcement (7/24/07) Speech given in New Hampshire on 07/16/2007 in which Richardson announced his national platform for women.

	Bill Richardson on Affirmative Action
	Stance: Supports Description: Governor Bill Richardson supports using affirmative action in government programs. Citations: 1. Democratic Debate Transcript, Howard University, June 28, 2007 (8/21/07) "Leading on the issues of race is about being authentic, about speaking honestly. Race is a major issue in this country, and the next president has to talk about it. Race is not just passing new laws. Race is not just naming solid Supreme Court justices. Race is also dealing with bigotry and racism that exists in this country. And I believe very strongly that the next president is not just going to have to pass laws and take the steps necessary to reaffirm affirmative action and take steps to make sure that our schools are integrated, but also the next president is going have to lead and speak passionately about a dialogue among all people. And I believe very strongly that issues of diversity, for me, the first Latino to run for president, aren't talking points; they're facts of life."

	Bill Richardson on Darfur
	Stance: Implement a no-fly zone and implement economic sanctions on countries supporting the genocide. Description: Governor Bill Richardson proposes that a no-fly zone be implemented over Darfur and that the US increase pressure on China to stop economic support of the Sudanese government. This includes the possibility of boycotting the 2008 Olympics being held in China. Citations: 1. Transcript of the Third Democratic Primary Presidential Debate (8/1/07) "You know, in the last debate I upset some people because I said we should use the levers on China, on them hosting the Olympics, to do something on Darfur. You know, I believe that fighting genocide is more important than sports. So what I would like to do is, one, a no-fly zone. Get economic sanctions backed by the Europeans. We need to find ways to stop the massive rapes. I was in Darfur three months ago. Today a report by Refugees International laid out a plan to deal with ---- that. We should not forget about Africa. American policymakers should take stands --"

	Bill Richardson on Death Penalty
	Stance: Supports death penalty and making death penalty appeals harder Description: Richardson supports the death penalty for heinous crimes. He does not feel the death penalty should be replaced with life imprisonment. Richardson also wants to make federal death penalty appeals harder and is against maintaining habeas corpus in death penalty appeals. Citations: 1. Bill Richardson Vote Match Responses (7/23/07) This are the results of a quiz taken by Richardson.

	Bill Richardson on Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
	Stance: Opposes drilling Description: Richardson says that we need to worry about new energy solutions rather than drilling for what little oil is in the ANWR. Citations: 1. Transcript: Gov. Bill Richardson on 'FOX News Sunday' (8/8/07) Transcript from an interview where he was asked about ANWR.

	Bill Richardson on Energy Plan
	Stance: Take steps to reduce need on foreign oil and energy Description: Richardson's plan is to... 1. Cut oil demand: 50% by 2020 2. Create new efficiencies and energy sources in the electrical sector: 50% by 2040 3. Have everyone make an effort an conserve 4. Give incentives for green building, energy efficient products 5. Make government building and vehicles energy efficient 6. Encourage mass transit Citations: 1. Issues: Energy (8/7/07) Richardson outlines what he would do if he were elected president to solve the energy problem 2. Richardson Talks Energy and Global Warming in Des Moines (8/7/07) Gov. Bill Richardson outlines his plans for energy independence and global warming to Polk County Democrats at a fundraiser in Des Moines, IA on 4.20.07

	Bill Richardson on Free Trade
	Stance: Supports Description: Richardson has called himself a "free trader", though he has called for increased enforcement of labor standards and environmental protection in free trade agreements. As U.S. ambassador to the UN, Richardson praised free trade and the International Monetary Fund. He has particularly promoted free trade between the U.S. and Latin America, and was a leading voice in the push to create NAFTA in 1993. In a 1998 speech, Richardson called for legislation toward "creating a hemispheric-wide free trade agreement that will establish a $12 trillion market of 850 million people. This free trade zone will create jobs, open new markets and raise living standards from Ecuador to East Los Angeles." Citations: 1. Democratic Candidates on Trade (7/26/07) How Richardson has spoken out about in terms of free trade.

	Bill Richardson on Global Warming
	Stance: Believes in human caused global warming and wants to stop it by shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources Description: Richardson's plan is to... 1. Cut oil demand: 50% by 2020 2. Create new efficiencies and energy sources in the electrical sector: 50% by 2040 3. Dramatically Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 90% by 2050 4. Invite the Oil Companies to Become Energy Companies 5. Have everyone make an effort Citations: 1. Gov. Richardson explains how to reduce Global Warming (8/7/07) Gov. Bill Richardson explains what it will take to reduce global warming emissions to a group of environmental professionals in Concord, NH on July 16, 2007. 2. Issues: Energy (8/7/07) Richardson outlines his plan to cut back on fossil fuels. 3. Bill Richardson: Climate Change #1 issue for young voters (11/15/07) Richardson says we need an international effort to fight global warming, which is caused by fossil fuels. 4. Gov. Bill Richardson says West sets climate pace (11/15/07) Richardson entered New Mexico into a five-state agreement to lower greenhouse gases in Feb. 2007. 5. Governor Bill Richardson Signs Historic Climate Change Executive Order (11/15/07) Bill Richardson signed executive order to reduce greenhouse gases in New Mexico by 267-million metric tons in 2006. 6. State of New Mexico Energy Efficient Green Building Standards for State Buildings (11/15/07) He established energy efficient building standards in state buildings in 2006. 7. Requiring the Increased Use of Renewable Fuels in New Mexico State Government (11/15/07) Richardson required increased use of renewable fuels in state government in 2005.

	Bill Richardson on Guantanamo Bay Detainment Camp
	Stance: Close Guantanamo Description: The governor also called for the closure of Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. detainment camp on the island of Cuba. He said there would be a 'no torture' policy if he were president. - CNN on Richardson Citations: 1. Democratic candidate learns of Plame news on the trail (8/13/07) Richardson saying he will close Guantanamo 2. The New Realism and the Rebirth of American Leadership (10/4/07) In a speech on February 8, 2007, Bill Richardson stated "If we want Muslims to open to us, we should start by closing Guantanamo." 3. Mideast a priority, says Richardson (10/4/07) In separate appearances, Gov. Bill Richardson told an Arab-American group that, as president, he would close the Guantanamo Bay prison for terrorists and a Democratic Jewish group that he would consider increasing aid to Israel. ... At the Arab-American Institute Foundation dinner, Richardson said the prisons at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib had made Americans "very, very ashamed." 4. Richardson: U.S. Must Lead by Example (10/4/07) Richardson also said to win the war against Jihadism, the United States must first live up to its own ideals. "Prisoner abuse, torture, secret prisons, renditions, and evasion of the Geneva conventions must have no place in our policy," Richardson said. "If we want Muslims to open to us, we should start by closing Guantanamo." 5. What about Bill? (10/4/07) In response to an audience member's question about what to do with Guantanamo Bay prison, Richardson elicited applause when he promptly replied, "Close it down" He added, "I'd close it down the second day because the first day we've got to get out of Iraq."

	Bill Richardson on Gun Control
	Stance: Endorsed by the NRA, has his own concealed carry permit, supports second amendment rights, supports instant background checks Description: "I'm a gun owner. I'm a western governor. I believe the issue is not gun control. The issue, as happened in Virginia Tech, is instant background checks. I am for instant background checks, I am for a bill that Carolyn McCarthy is doing now in the House of Representatives which tightens background checks. . .the assault weapons ban did not work. . .What I would do is I would focus more of our efforts on, for instance, background checks with those with criminal backgrounds and the mentally ill. We have to tighten up those background checks. I am for doing that. but the problem is the states don't have the database, the resources." - Richardson Citations: 1. Gun Control - Are our "babies" safe? (7/31/07) Supports instant background checks. Nobody with a criminal background or mentally ill should be able to buy a weapon. Reduce poverty to address the issues of gun use. 2. Bill Richardson discusses his 2008 presidential campaign (7/24/07) Tim Russert interviews Bill Richardson regarding his position on key election issues 3. NM Governor Bill Richardson spells out his views on guns (7/24/07) Video of Tim Russert's Interview with Bill Richardson on Meet the Press

	Bill Richardson on Health Care
	Stance: Require everyone to get insurance, subsidized by employers and the government. Description: "No. 1, my plan is mandatory. You do have everybody sharing -- the employer, the employee, you have the state and the federal government. Secondly, I believe that we can have a plan where if you were satisfied with your health care plan, you can keep it. No new bureaucracy. " - Bill Richardson Citations: 1. New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate (7/27/07) Richardson in a debate talks about healthcare. 2. Bill Richardson at AFSCME Candidate Forum (7/27/07) Bill Richardson speaking to AFSCME, some of which is about healthcare.

	Bill Richardson on Immigration
	Stance: Stop new illegal immigrants, punish employers of illegal immigrants, work with the Mexican government, and have a legalization plan for illegal immigrants to earn their citizenship. Description: Has a 5 step plan to deal with immigration. 1. Secure the border but not build a wall. 2. Punish those who knowingly hire illegal workers. 3. Foreign Policy. Be frank with the Mexican government. 4. Raise the legal immigration quotas. 5. Legalization plan. Don't deport 12 million people but instead set up an "earn legalization plan" which includes learning english, paying taxes, having a background check, and pay fines for coming illegally. Citations: 1. Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07) a collection of quotes on immigration 2. Bill Richardson - On Illegal Immigration (7/24/07) An interview with Richardson on illegal immigration. 3. Bill Richardson: I Will Not Separate Families (7/24/07) A debate where he talks about immigration.

	Bill Richardson on Iran
	Stance: Use sanctions; let Iran have nuclear energy but not nuclear weapons Description: Richardson supports engagement with Iran on the issue of nuclear proliferation. In a June 2007 speech, Richardson called for unconditional talks with Iran backed by "tough sanctions." To start negotiations, Richardson said the United States must acknowledge its errors in backing the Shah and supporting Saddam Hussein in the Iran-Iraq war, and in remaining silent when Hussein used chemical weapons in that war. In his speech, Richardson also said the U.S. must respect Iran's "legitimate right to peaceful nuclear energy" but must also stress to Iran that it will never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. At the Democratic National Committee event, Richardson said that he would send former Secretary of State James Baker to run talks with Iran's foreign ministry with the hope of developing a "broad agreement" that would allow Iran to develop "a civilian nuclear capacity, properly monitored by the international community." Citations: 1. After Iraq, Democrats next worry: Iran (8/13/07) It was Iran, as well as Iraq, Darfur and other crisis locales, that caused Bill Richardson, the former UN envoy and now New Mexico governor, to tell the assembled Democrats, "Experience in foreign affairs has never been more important." 2. Engaging Iran -- No Preconditions, No Illusions (8/13/07) First, let me say that I am under no illusions that achieving similar goals with Iran will be easy. But I am convinced that a concerted diplomatic effort, backed up by tough sanctions, undertaken with our international partners and grounded in bipartisan cooperation at home, stands an excellent chance of persuading Iran to forego nuclear weapons and to adopt more responsible policies. 3. Diplomacy, Not War, With Iran (8/13/07) Richardson writes an article about how initiating war not the best course to stop Iran's nuclear program.

	Bill Richardson on Iraq Plan
	Stance: De-Authorize the war and pull the troops out in 6 months Description: Bill Richardson outlines a 7 point plan for Iraq. 1. Wants congress to de-authorize the war. 2. Pull the troops out in 6 months. 3. No residual forces left behind. 4. Promote Iraqi Reconciliation. 5. Work With All Neighbors and Allies 6. Global Cooperation in Reconstruction 7. Redeploy to Address Real Threats Citations: 1. South Carolina Democratic debate transcript (8/2/07) "Well, first of all, I want to thank Marsha's husband for his service. And one of the enormous difficulties of this war has been the strain it's placed on our men and women in uniform. We have seen our Army and our Reserves and our National Guard all being stretched to a breaking point. And that's one of the reasons why I proposed that we're going to have to increase the size of our ground forces, so we can stop the sort of rotations that we've been placing them on, which have been putting enormous strain not only on the soldiers themselves, but also their families. But, look, we are one vote away -- we are one signature away or 16 votes away from ending this war. One signature away. Now, if the president is not going to sign the bill that has been sent to him, then what we have to do is gather up 16 votes in order to override his veto. And I think that the men and women in uniform have performed valiantly in terms of overthrowing Saddam Hussein and giving the Iraqi people an opportunity to bring their country together." 2. Issues: Iraq (7/24/07) Bill Richardson's plan for Iraq.

	Bill Richardson on Kyoto Protocol
	Stance: Supports Description: "George Bush might not want the United States to follow the Kyoto Treaty, but that hasn't kept New Mexico from being on track to exceed Kyoto in the coming years." - Bill Richardson Citations: 1. About Bill (8/8/07) "George Bush might not want the United States to follow the Kyoto Treaty, but that hasn't kept New Mexico from being on track to exceed Kyoto in the coming years." 2. Bill Richardson: Climate Change #1 issue for young voters (11/15/07) "This planet is revolting against the use of fossil fuels and against manmade pollution. And we have to fight global climate change. And we have to have an international effort to do it. And it means mandating the reduction of carbons and caps and emissions and the pollution that comes from fossil fuels and vehicles. It has to happen. ... The first thing a president does on the global climate change is say we are going to follow the Kyoto Treaty, but we are going to exceed the limits because we've lost six years." - Richardson

	Bill Richardson on Line Item Veto
	Stance: Supports Description: "I am for a constitutional amendment to balance the budget, a line-item veto and pay-as-you-go policies." - Richardson Citations: 1. New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate Transcript (10/15/07) "Number two, I am for a constitutional amendment to balance the budget, a line-item veto and pay-as-you-go policies." - Richardson

	Bill Richardson on Medical Marijuana
	Stance: Signed bill to legalize medical marijuana in New Mexico. Description: Richardson, as governor of New Mexico, signed a bill to legalize medical marijuana. Citations: 1. Richardson to legalize medical marijuana (7/23/07) Talks about his risks signed the mm bill as governor 2. Richardson Signs Marijuana Bill (7/23/07) Talks about Richardson and his signed of the mm bill. 3. Gov. Richardson stands behind medical pot bill (10/4/07) This article details the effort that Governor Bill Richardson has taken to create a state medical marijuana program. 4. Governor Bill Richardson on Medical Marijuana--Sept. 2, 2007 (10/4/07) Governor Bill Richardson discusses his experience with creating a medical marijuana program in New Mexico.

	Bill Richardson on Military Contractors
	Stance: Stop using military contractors Description: While discussing the Iraq war on October 4, 2007, Governor Bill Richardson said "We must also remove the private mercenaries. As President, I will no longer privatize and outsource American security! " Citations: 1. Richardson Criticizes Rivals Over Iraq (10/17/07) Governor Bill Richardson vows to remove military contractors for Iraq. He also states he "will no longer privatize and outsource American security." 2. Hard Choices: The Responsible Way Forward for Iraq and our Military (10/17/07) In a speech delivered on October 4, 2007, Governor Bill Richardson addresses how he would handle the Iraq war. He states he would no longer use "private mercenaries."

	Bill Richardson on Military Funding
	Stance: Cut Military funding mainly by de-authorizing the war Description: Richardson wants to cut military spending because he feels it could be better used with education, health care, and global warming. Citations: 1. '08 hopefuls would grow the military (8/14/07) Comments on Richardson being one of the only ones who wants to cut the defense budget. 2. Issues: Iraq (8/14/07) Richardson talks about ending the Iraq war and cutting military spending.

	Bill Richardson on Minimum Wage Increase
	Stance: supports minimum wage increase Description: Richardson supports expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit. and increasing the minimum wage to a living wage. As Governor of New Mexico, Richardson worked to pass a bill that will raise the New Mexico's minimum wage to $7.50 by 2009. Richardson stated that he supports rewarding companies that "pay over the prevailing wage, that go into the inner cities, that go into rural areas." He would also have "tax-free holidays for technology start-ups -- three years, if they train people in the inner city, if they hire people over the prevailing wage." Richardson also supports a minimum wage for teachers. Citations: 1. third Democratic 2008 presidential primary debate (7/31/07) Bill Richardson during the third Democratic 2008 presidential primary debate (June 28, 2007) (the All-American Presidential Forum on PBS moderated by Tavis Smiley held at Howard University in Washington, DC) 2. Minimum Wage Hike Creates Minimal Buzz (7/31/07) Article discussing the federal minimum wage increase as well as minimum wage increases in the states, including New Mexico.

	Bill Richardson on National Deficit
	Stance: Restore Fiscal Discipline Description: "Our next President must have the discipline to rein in spending so that we may return to the budget surpluses we experienced during the Clinton Administration." - Bill Richardson Citations: 1. Jobs and Economy (10/8/07) Talks about how the next President needs fiscal discipline. 2. New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate Transcript (10/15/07) Richardson talks about how he balanced budgets and what needs to be done to balance the national deficit.

	Bill Richardson on Net Neutrality
	Stance: Supports Net Neutrality Description: According to a statement on his website, Bill Richardson supports net neutrality. His official statement is: "The internet has revolutionized communication, education, and commerce. It has also become an essential part of exercising our right to free speech. And the very reason why the internet has become such an important part of our lives is because its network infrastructure transmits data at the same rate and with the same quality to every user. Government built the Internet, and, while it has been improved by the market, profits shouldn't be made by destroying the egalitarian nature of online information. I support net neutrality and as President I will fight to keep the internet free and open." Citations: 1. Civil Liberties (7/23/07) "Government built the Internet, and, while it has been improved by the market, profits shouldn't be made by destroying the egalitarian nature of online information. I support net neutrality and as President I will fight to keep the internet free and open."

	Bill Richardson on No Child Left Behind Act
	Stance: Opposes Description: On his campaign site, Richardson states, "It is imperative that the next president makes sure that states receive appropriate funding and are no longer forced to accept a one-size-fits-all program that punishes schools rather than providing them with the tools they need to succeed." He also said during the CNN/YouTube debates, "I would scrap it. It doesn't work. It is not just an unfunded mandate, but the one- size-fits-all doesn't work. It doesn't emphasize teacher training. It doesn't emphasize the disabled kids." Citations: 1. CNN/YouTube Democratic presidential debate transcript (7/26/07) Richardson talking about no child left behind 2. Fix No Child Left Behind (7/26/07) He speaks out against the current implementation of No Child Left Behind. 3. YouTube Debate: No Child Left Behind - Scrap or Revise? (7/26/07) Richardson talking about No Child Left Behind

	Bill Richardson on Nuclear Power
	Stance: Supports nuclear power Description: Richardson believes nuclear power should be part of the mix of energy sources in the U.S. Citations: 1. Richardson on the Issues (8/14/07) Believes nuclear power should be part of the mix of energy sources in the U.S.