Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico endorses Barack Obama for President

"I believe he (Senator Obama) is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime leader that can bring our nation together and restore America's moral leadership in the world."

LOS ANGELES (Catholic Online) - Former Secretary of Energy and Ambassador to the United Nations under the Clinton Administration, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson endorsed Sen. Barack Obama over Senator Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

Richardson is the only Hispanic Governor in the United Sates and was himself a candidate for the nomination until withdrawing in January. Since then, the Clinton campaign has actively sought his endorsement.

Though there always doubt expressed as to the overall value of political endorsements, most observers see this one as being of value to the candidacy of Barack Obama for several reasons.

First, it may move the continued coverage of the implications of the racially charged comments his controversial former pastor off of the front page for awhile. Next, it may help to slow or even stop the slide in Obama's poll numbers by adding some wind to what have become deflated sails. Finally, Richardson is highly regarded in the Hispanic community, a community where Clinton has enjoyed substantial support.

Richardson's endorsement was strong and unequivocal. Among his words of praise for Senator Obama were the following:

"I believe he (Senator Obama) is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime leader that can bring our nation together and restore America's moral leadership in the world... As a presidential candidate, I know full well Sen. Obama's unique moral ability to inspire the American people to confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad in a spirit of bipartisanship."

Senator Obama received the endorsement with gratitude noting that he was "deeply honored". He commended the Governor in these words: "Whether it's fighting to end the Iraq war or stop the genocide in Darfur or prevent nuclear weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists, Gov. Richardson has been a powerful voice on issues of global security, peace and justice, earning five Nobel Peace Prize nominations."

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'