I am in Keene, N.H. this morning, a picturesque little New England town where Gov. Bill Richardson is expected to lead a noontime get out the vote rally.

Richardson had a well-attended meet-and greet in Keene last summer. We'll see how many of those folks show up today.

Driving into Keene, one of New Hampshire's larger populations centers, Richardson has an impressive presence. Lots and lots of attractive political signs dotting the roadsides, and his camp has also commandeered the town square, where Richardson will exhort his followers. 

I just walked by and U2's "With or Without You" was pumping from the speakers onstage. Hmmm. I've got more to blog after the rally. 

Coincidentally, this is also where Rep.  Heather Wilson, R-N.M., grew up. Her brother runs a music store on the main drag. It's the kind of town where just about every business is a mom-and-pop-type place. There's a small college and a couple of coffeehouses that serve up strong java and cool music. Thanks for the free wi-fi, Brewbakers. 

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Richardson didn't dazzle at last night's debate from Manchester, N.H., but he held his own and he earned the biggest laugh of the contest with a zinger directed at the quarelling three front-runners.

"I've been in hostage negotiations that were a lot more civil than this," Richardson quipped, drawing big guffaws in the packed press room.

He went on to call for a more polite dialogue among the Democratic contenders, as he has throughout the campaign.

"Let's stay positive - there will be plenty of time to get negative with the Republicans," Richardson implored.

The hostage quip was probably Richardson's best in a campaign that has had more verbal blunders than memorable one-liners. It was exactly the kind of quick-on-your-feet moment that has helped propel Mike Huckabee from obscure former governor to front-runner. Richardson could have used a lot more of these moments, a lot sooner in the campaign.

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