2nd Quarter Countdown

The decisions you make in the next few hours can truly influence who wins the White House in 2008.

We've got only a few hours before the crucial second quarter FEC fundraising deadline. Can you help keep our momentum alive by making a contribution now?

www.richardsonforpresident.com/momentum

If you've been waiting to see if this campaign is going to take off, now is the time to act. Right now is when your contribution can make the biggest difference.

Governor Richardson's poll numbers are skyrocketing. Now is the time to capitalize on this momentum with a fundraising haul that will really make the media sit up and pay attention. If we put enough $25 and $50 donations together before tonight's midnight fundraising deadline, we can shake up this entire race.

The clock is ticking -- we need your help now to meet our goal and keep the momentum going.

www.richardsonforpresident.com/momentum

Please Give Now

The end of the fundraising quarter is tomorrow. Let's give Richardson a strong showing! Click on the ActBlue donation button on the top left corner of this blog to give a donation to Richardson's campaign. Any amount will help.

I also want to mention some of the highlights from last night's debate. The Governor did a great job in this first really fair debate (all candidates were given equal time). One of my favorite comments was, "This is the first time we've talked about education at any debate. The first thing you hear is -- how are we going to pay for it? No one asks how we're going to pay for the war." This is so true with any domestic program. People gripe and worry about the cost. But when it comes to a war, we are, for the most part, silent in regard to the cost. However, social programs such as education are investments which really will pay off in the long run. War rarely does.

Richardson on Iran

So, here is another example of how Richardson thinks practically and diplomatically in regard to our foreign affairs. Earlier today, he was asked about Iran. Instead of the response given by the Republican candidates (which is to use nuclear weapons to kill Iran into submission), Richardson has a thoughtful approach. He said he will reach out to the country's moderates (of whom there are many). He would talk to moderate clerics, to students, to businesses and others to negotiate halting the country's nuclear development. What a smart guy.

Read more about it here.

Sorry for the disappearance

Well, I went away for quite a while. Life intervened and I have been busy doing other things. Bill Richardson, however, has been busy running for office. And he is working harder than anyone out there. To prove it, his poll numbers keep climbing. The more folks know who he is, the more they like him. As I've said before, he has the experience to do the job well. He knows what diplomacy means and can get things done.

Now, if only I can get things done...

He is in!

Well, it is official. He announced today. I am so siked. Please refer to my why Maine needs Richardson post for why he is the best.

That being said, he has promised to outwork anybody. Richardson excels in retail politics -- meeting people, shaking hands, parades, all of those things we expect from our politicians here in Maine. It is great for people elected by the people to like people. And he really likes people. Plus he is a positive person. I agree with his analysis that the focus should be on what the candidate can accomplish and not on ripping apart opponents. I especially agree on that approach during primaries. There is no need for allies to tearing down each other.

He is a negotiator. He has negotiated successfully with some of the most fierce people in the world. When he talks of a diplomatic solution in Iraq, he is the one who could actually do it. As he said about diplomacy and energy and working within a balanced budget, etc.; a lot of people talk about these issues, but he has actually done it.

So, the campaign is real now. Let's start working!

Watch TV!

I'm not a big one to either watch tv or recommend it. However, Bill Richardson is appearing on ABC's This Week on Sunday (tomorrow), and there promises to be some exciting news! For those of us in Maine, the show is from 9am-10am. Tune in.

Richardson and Darfur again

I just got off the phone with Governor Richardson about his Sudan trip. He is so inspiring. While there has been some coverage, it is just a shame that the national media hasn't made the agreement front page news. Actually, I would argue that it is a shame that the national media hasn't made the Darfur crisis front page news.

In addition to the 60 day cease-fire -- which was agreed upon not just by the government, but by all the rebel forces as well, Richardson got the President to agree to include the militia -- which is vitally important. He also garnered an agreement that the horrible rapes and gender violence would start to be investigated and prosecuted. This is a huge part of the humanitarian horror faced by those in Darfur. Another important aspect of the agreement was that he got the president to loosen red tape for humanitarian groups and journalists.

What I found most amazing about this call was the Governor's humility. When complimented on this huge accomplishment, the Governor modestly said that he just tries to connect with and appeal to the pragmatic interests of the bad guys. Instead of merely focusing on the agreements, he said we ought to learn more about Darfur and the tragedy facing the people there. While there are huge tragedies throughout the world, this part of the world needs more attention. He called it the worst humanitarian crisis of the world.

Taking Richardson's suggestion, I would encourage all who read this to check out SaveDarfur.org. Learn about the crisis. Donate time, money, and/or energy.

For myself, I have to reiterate that we need this guy! He accomplished so much in the past four days -- as a private citizen. I can't even imagine how much he could do diplomatically sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office.