Candidate Positions

Original source: http://www.speculativebubble.com/politics/bill-richardson.php

GOV. RICHARDSON: Outsourcing is a problem. Most outsourcing jobs are technical. We need to upgrade our science and math standards in our school. It’s education. And I would create 250 science and math academies to deal with that gap.

In addition to that, what we need is trade agreements, fair trade agreements where we say, no slave labor, no child labor; we’re not going to have — we’re going to have environmental protection; we’re going to have to deal with wage disparity. And also, I would have a different attitude toward the private sector. I would say to the private sector, what is it going to take to keep you here?

I would have an industrial policy where we invest in high-growth industries, in health industries, in high-tech, in renewable energy, to keep those jobs here.

Original source: http://forestfire.wordpress.com/2007/05/01/bill-richardsons-global-warming-hypocrisy-wheres-petes-defense/

“In the absence of federal leadership, I feel a real sense of urgency to take action at the state level to fight global warming and strengthen our energy security.”

Original source: http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Bill_Richardson_Education.htm#7
Provide parents with vouchers to send their children to any participating school: public, private or religious.

Original source:

It seems to me that the most gun-friendly candidate from either party at this point is a Democrat, Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico. He has consistently received endorsements from the NRA and he is the only candidate for president in 2008 who has publicly stated that he holds a concealed carry permit.
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You have to talk about guns in the context of lifestyle, recreation, a way of life,” the Governor argues, “rather than as just a measure to prevent murders and deaths. Democrats need to move into a void in the West. The Bush Administration is scaring off recreationists, hunters and fishermen because of their extreme anti-environmental policies. It’s important to build alliances with these ranchers and fishermen and broaden the dialogue. The West is becoming more fertile Democratic territory. It’s important for Democrats on the East Coast not to make the gun issue a litmus test.
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The NRA endorsement [of Bill Richardson for governor in 2006], announced Monday at a West Mesa shooting range where hundreds of law enforcement officers from around the world took part in an NRA-sponsored shooting championship, wasn’t the first time Richardson has garnered the group’s backing.

“He’s been a pretty solid guy on the gun issue,” Van Horn, a member of the NRA’s board of directors, said.

Original source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,151631,00.html

RICHARDSON: I think the president proposed a step in the right direction. What he has said is there should be a guest-worker program for three years. You re-apply. You go back.

I would go one step further. I think what is also needed is some clear path toward some type of legal status, legalization.

We have an immigration system that’s broken. We have 10 million illegal immigrants in America, 25 percent in the last two years.

So if you have an earned legalization program that has benchmarks of law-abidingness, that has benchmarks of working hard, and you combine it with tough law enforcement, more border guards, a crackdown on illegal smuggling, better detection of those that overstay their visas, stolen/lost passports — what is needed is a comprehensive immigration reform, not piecemeal, punitive measures.

Original source: http://www.governor.state.nm.us/press.php?id=307

Governor Richardson Announces $35 Million in Stem Cell Research and Supercomputing Initiatives

October 31, 2006
Jon Goldstein 505.476.2248

ALBUQUERQUE —Governor Bill Richardson today joined Senator Jeff Bingaman in announcing major, multi-million dollar investments in stem cell research and supercomputing. The Governor’s plan will include a $10 million investment in stem cell research as well as $25 million in the supercomputing power needed to thoroughly study a variety of medical, scientific and social issues.

“Hope must prevail over controversy when people are suffering,” said Governor Richardson. “Today, states are the true innovative policy incubators in our nation. And this announcement shows that once again, states are taking the lead while there is an absence of leadership from the Bush Administration.”

The Governor’s $10 million stem cell plan includes:
 $2 million to establish a nationally-recognized training program in Stem Cell Research for medical students, graduate students, residents, fellows, physicians, and scientists.

 $4 million to recruit nationally recognized scientists. Funding is needed to support the initial recruitment costs plus provide start-up funds to buy necessary equipment and supplies, and to train and develop staff.

 $4 million in capital to establish state-of-the-art research facilities for Adult and Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Federal guidelines currently prohibit work with embryonic stem cells in space that has been constructed with federal funds. This capital outlay will be used to build a state-funded area devoted to embryonic stem cell research.

This funding will be used over the next three years to develop stem cell research and regenerative medicine at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. This new multidisciplinary effort will help address diseases and conditions that greatly affect New Mexicans, including:

o Cancer - utilizing stem cells to treat leukemia by replenishing mature blood cells that are destroyed as patients undergo chemotherapy.

 Original Source - http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/newsroom/richardson_calls_supreme_court_decision_on_abortion_ban_a_dangerous_step_ba

SANTA FE, NM- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s today joined with Americans across the country in criticizing the US Supreme Court decision in the Federal Abortion Ban cases.

“Today the Supreme Court took a dangerous step backward in regard to Americans’ rights to personal choice and privacy,” said Governor Richardson.  “In doing so, the Court disregarded the opinion of experienced and respected medical professionals who oppose the ban because there are no exceptions protecting women’s health.  While not unexpected, I believe this unfortunate decision is a clear signal that the Supreme Court is opening the door to further challenges to personal medical decisions between patients and doctors that should not involve the government.”

Governor Richardson has consistently opposed any attempt to limit women’s reproductive rights, and as a Congressman voted against similar proposed bans and restrictions on a number of occasions.

“I am concerned, as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg stated so clearly in her dissenting opinion, that this vote could be the beginning of ‘an effort to chip away a right declared again and again by this court’,” added the Governor.  I sincerely hope that is not the case.”