Friday, September 22, 2006

Richardson Blog

Governor Richardson has a brand new blogsite at this address:

http://blog.billrichardson2006.com/

It is really new, and called The Plaza. Stop by, register, and participate in the discussion!

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Editorial in Today's Denver Post



The Diplomacy of Bill Richardson


Bill Richardson has won international acclaim for his unique diplomatic efforts over the years.
He's won the release of Americans held captive in the most difficult global hot spots - a U.S. pilot shot down over North Korea, three Red Cross workers held hostage in Sudan, captives in Iraq and Cuba.
A few days ago, the governor of New Mexico pulled off a similar achievement that is quite outside his job description.
Richardson negotiated the release of three people from the war-torn region of Darfur, Sudan - a Chicago Tribune journalist on assignment for The National Geographic along with his driver and interpreter.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Preview the Latest Richardson Ad

Bill Richardson illustrates his famous sense of humor in this new campaign ad...

Click here to preview

Kudos Governor! Such a fun ad!

Friday, September 08, 2006

Richardson Secures Release of Journalist in Sudan


from left to right: Calvin Humphrey, the Governor’s foreign policy advisor, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, and President Omar al-Bashir at the President's residence in Khartoum.


Well, I knew he would be successful, because he is a great diplomat and a well respected man.


The "adult in the room" has scored the release of detained journalist Paul Salopek, his translator, and his driver.


Richardson said, “The successful end to this unfortunate episode is a victory for journalism and a free press. Most important, these three men will return home safely to be with their families, friends and colleagues who were relentless in their appeals to have them freed."


Way to go Governor!

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Governor Richardson to Make Plea in Sudan

I would post a PHOTO here, but Blogger is not cooperating....

WASHINGTON -- New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson will fly to Sudan's capital on Thursday to urge the African country's president to release imprisoned Chicago Tribune correspondent Paul Salopek on humanitarian grounds, the governor's office announced.

In what Richardson's office described as a "positive and hopeful" development, the governor received a formal invitation this week to meet with President Omar al-Bashir in Khartoum.

The invitation followed Richardson's dinner last week in Washington with Sudan's ambassador to the U.S., Khidir Haroun Ahmed, whom the Democratic governor befriended a decade ago when he negotiated the return of American hostages held by Sudanese rebels."

Paul Salopek is clearly not a spy," Richardson said in announcing the trip. "He's my constituent and he is a talented and respected journalist who was attempting to do his job telling the story of the people, culture and history of the sub-Saharan region known as the Sahel. I will encourage President al-Bashir to recognize the essential role of journalists and release Paul and his colleagues on humanitarian grounds."

MORE

Salopek was working as a freelance journalist for National Geographic in Sudan. He has won two Pulitzer Prizes, and got his start in journalism when his motorcycle broke down in Roswell, NM, and he took a job at the local paper to earn money for repairs.

Best of luck, Governor Richardson, we believe you can secure this man's freedom.