You may remember Bill Richardson as one of the many candidates in the Democratic presidential primary field in 2008. But what else do we know about Barack Obama’s pick for Secretary of Commerce? So glad you asked.
Richardson has gobs of experience in public life, including as an official and unofficial diplomat, but curiously little experience in private industry for someone whose job it will be to create jobs in the private sector. With that said, here’s the scoop on Richardson:
He’s the highest profile Hispanic politician in the U.S.. Â His mother was Mexican and he grew up in Mexico City until high school, when he moved to Massachusetts. Richardson eventually married his high school sweetheart, Barbara.
He went to Tufts for undergrad and graduate school in international affairs, and was a minor-league baseball player.
After working on Capitol Hill and running unsuccessfully for Congress in 1980, Richardson won a House seat and represented New Mexico in Congress from 1982 to 1994.Â
He joined the Clinton Administration, first as U.N. Ambassador and then as Secretary of Energy. Â As Secretary, he was criticized for his response to the Wen Ho Lee espionage scandal. Â At a hearing about the scandal, Sen. Robert Byrd said to Richardson, “I have to say, I am not calling for your resignation at this moment, but you have shown a supreme, a supreme contempt of the committees of this Congress…you have squandered your treasure, and I am sorry.” Â Ouch.
Richardson ran for governor in 2002, and was reelected in 2006, thanks certainly, to the campaign commercial below…Â
Richardson was a failure as energy secretary. He was asleep at the switch when OPEC began playing with crude oil prices and admitted same. He can be credited with a policy and decisions that did not encourage domestic production increases. He has absolutely no experience or expertise that would qualify him to lead the Commerce department. Well, I guess that makes Richardson a perfect match for Obama. OK, Mr. Obama, where is the “change?” It looks very much like the same old gang; politics as usual. But then, did we really expect change? Actually this appointment is a win-lose: it’s a big win for New Mexico (they hate Richardson as governor) and a big loss for America.
I would have to disagree with William. Governor Richardson has a very high approval rating here in New Mexico. He has brought many jobs to this state. Albuquerque is ranked the 3rd best place to live in the country. New Mexico is not being affected as much as the rest of the country in this bad economy because of Governor Richardson. He has brought in the film industry and created hundreds of jobs. I am a republican that voted for Richardson and I am very happy with what he has done for our state. President Obama picked a man who will fight to bring jobs to our great country.
I have lived in N.M.- and in-between… Richardson is not your ordinary politician…This country would do well in giving him a chance. In fact- I would not be surprised to see him run for the Presidency again, in 8 years… in the meantime Sec. of Energy will suit him and this country well… .
December 4th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Richardson was a failure as energy secretary. He was asleep at the switch when OPEC began playing with crude oil prices and admitted same. He can be credited with a policy and decisions that did not encourage domestic production increases. He has absolutely no experience or expertise that would qualify him to lead the Commerce department. Well, I guess that makes Richardson a perfect match for Obama. OK, Mr. Obama, where is the “change?” It looks very much like the same old gang; politics as usual. But then, did we really expect change? Actually this appointment is a win-lose: it’s a big win for New Mexico (they hate Richardson as governor) and a big loss for America.
December 5th, 2008 at 8:57 am
I would have to disagree with William. Governor Richardson has a very high approval rating here in New Mexico. He has brought many jobs to this state. Albuquerque is ranked the 3rd best place to live in the country. New Mexico is not being affected as much as the rest of the country in this bad economy because of Governor Richardson. He has brought in the film industry and created hundreds of jobs. I am a republican that voted for Richardson and I am very happy with what he has done for our state. President Obama picked a man who will fight to bring jobs to our great country.
December 5th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Thanks for the home state perspective!
December 5th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I have lived in N.M.- and in-between… Richardson is not your ordinary politician…This country would do well in giving him a chance. In fact- I would not be surprised to see him run for the Presidency again, in 8 years… in the meantime Sec. of Energy will suit him and this country well… .
December 5th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Wow- Richardson’s mother was a “Mexican”… Imagine that- an immigrant that isn’t a thug!
Way to go Bill!!
December 5th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Bill you can be Sec. of Enery…Commerce.. State…President- you have my vote - Go for it all…. And, take Barbara with you- She’s awesome too.
December 7th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
bill is the man! NM is the place to be! soon america will be 2!
December 7th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Bill is a great govenor and nm has never been better! if anyone could do a better job as President it would be BILL RICHARDSON! go lobos!