Bill Richardson

Governor Bill Richardson was elected Governor of New Mexico in 2002 by the largest margin of any candidate since 1964. Governor Richardson just completed his third legislative session, successfully cutting taxes for more than 500,000 working New Mexicans, creating opportunities through a statewide Pre-Kindergarten program, revamping the state’s higher education system, and increasing access to quality health care. In just over two years, Governor Richardson has made good on his campaign promises to improve education, cut income taxes and the tax on food, build a high-wage economy, develop a statewide water plan and make New Mexico safer by getting tough on DWI, domestic violence and sex crimes. Governor Richardson has been credited for implementing the most forward-looking clean energy agenda in the nation. As a result, New Mexico is now a national leader in job growth and economic momentum. The state has a balanced budget and one of the highest budget reserves in the country. Governor Richardson currently serves as Chairman of the Democratic Governors’ Association. Governor Richardson is also past chairman of: Western Governors’ Association Border Governors’ Conference 2004 Democratic National Convention Governor Richardson served for 15 years as New Mexico’s Representative in the 3rd Congressional District. Governor Richardson served in 1997 as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and in 1998, he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. Governor Richardson has been nominated several times for the Nobel Peace Prize.