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Who Is He?: Bill Richardson was born November 15, 1947 in Pasadena, California. He graduated from Tufts University and Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He spent 14 years as a member of Congress from New Mexico. Thompson served in the Clinton Administration as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and secretary of energy. In 2002, he was elected governor of New Mexico.
International Experience: Richardson spent part of his childhood living in Mexico.
His first professional job was working on congressional relations at the U.S. State Department. He later was a staffer for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As a member of Congress he travelled extensively around the world, and played a key role shaping U.S. foreign policy as the U.N. ambassador.
In 1995, Richardson successfully negotiated with Saddam Hussein for the release of two American workers being held in Iraq. Similarly in 2006, he negotiated the release of an American journalist held in Sudan by President Omar Al-Bashir.
Foreign Policy Positions: Governor Richardson has called for direct U.S. talks with both Iran and North Korea (within the framework of the six-party talks). He favors a full and fast U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. He supports most free trade efforts. Richardson has spoken in favor of energy independence efforts. He also favors the Kyoto Treaty on climate change. Richardson has advocated strong reforms at the United Nations, as well as full payment of U.S. dues to the world body.
Bill Richardson's Foreign Policy Statements:
- A New Realism for a New Century, The National Interest, November 2007
- We Should Exit Iraq Now, a September 2007 statement in The Washington Post
- Democratic Radio Address, July 2006
Other Links:
- Bill Richardson 2006
- America for Richardson (unofficial site)
- Bill Richardson on Iraq, North Korea, and Energy, from Daily Kos
- Richardson's Plan to Prevent a Nuclear 9-11, from the About Guide to U.S. Politics:Liberal
The Competition:Explore the foreign policy background of all major 2008 presidential candidates.
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