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This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by editorial page staff and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Richardson Has Right Stuff for a Top Job



          He's been a figure in New Mexico politics for so long it's easy to take Bill Richardson for granted. That's a mistake Barack Obama shouldn't make should voters entrust the Democrat with the presidency.
        That's by no means a given. But if it happens, Obama should take note of the fact Richardson's résumé runs deeper than most politicians'. It made him a formidable presidential contender and gives him a serious shot at a top position in an Obama administration. Perhaps even No. 2.
        Obama touts a global vision, but Richardson was U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The go-to negotiator, he convinced Saddam Hussein to free captured Americans and Sudan's Omar al-Bashir to release Red Cross workers and an American journalist. He's talked hostage release in Caracas with Venezuela's Hugo Chávez, nuclear power in North Korea with Kim Jong Il.
        Obama has the goal of energy independence, but Richardson has the know-how. He's been the country's secretary of energy.
        While Obama talks of reaching across the aisle, Richardson is more of a rough-and-tumble politician. However, he's a moderate who has cut taxes while mandating drunken drivers get ignition interlocks, brought in 86,000 jobs while establishing tiered licensing and teacher accountability, built a film industry while banning junk food in schools.
        While Obama has the appeal of a fresh start, Richardson has the experience. He served New Mexico for 14 years in Congress and was elected governor twice by overwhelming majorities. He's been the one accountable for the operations and welfare of an entire state since 2002.
        Richardson isn't perfect. What politician is? The Journal hasn't hesitated to raise questions in news stories and at times criticize him in editorials over the years.
        In the final tally, his record of service to the nation and the state merit a close look should Obama set up shop on Pennsylvania Avenue.