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When New Mexico Governor Bill
Richardson speaks about embracing diversity, the American dream, and serving
others, he speaks from unparalleled experience.
Born November 15, 1947 in
Pasadena, California to an American father and Mexican mother, Governor
Richardson grew up in Mexico City before moving to New England, where he
attended high school and college. He has dedicated his life to public
service, as a United States Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations,
Secretary of Energy, and now as Governor of New Mexico.
Bill Richardson was recently
re-elected to a second term as Governor of New Mexico with the support of 69
percent of voters, representing the largest margin of victory for any
Governor in state history. He was supported by Democrats, Republicans and
Independents, winning in both urban and rural counties New Mexicans
overwhelmingly endorsed Governor Richardson's aggressive efforts to improve
education, cut taxes, build a high-wage economy, expand health care access,
invest in renewable energy and make New Mexico safer.
Bill Richardson's fiscally
responsible governing style has allowed New Mexico to tackle important
priorities, while maintaining a balanced budget and the highest reserves in
state history. He cut $230 million in bureaucratic waste, invested in new
opportunities for New Mexico's children and returned more than $1 billion
dollars in taxes to working families.
As Secretary of Energy to
President Bill Clinton, Bill Richardson implemented tough efficiency
standards to save energy. And as Governor, he has made New Mexico the Clean
Energy State by requiring utility companies to produce energy through
renewable resources and reduce carbon emissions.
Before becoming Governor, Bill
Richardson served in Congress for 15 years and helped President Clinton pass
the economic plan that created millions of jobs and led America to its first
balanced budget in 30 years.
Appointed by President Clinton as
the Ambassador to the UN, Bill Richardson worked with world leaders to build
alliances and help prevent the development of nuclear weapons in North
Korea. Bill Richardson has been nominated four times for the Nobel Peace
Prize for negotiating the release of hostages, American servicemen and
political prisoners in North Korea, Iraq, and Cuba. Governor Richardson
recently negotiated a 60-day cease fire in war-torn Darfur following direct
talks with rebel leaders and the President of Sudan.
As Chairman of the Democratic
Governor's Association, Governor Richardson raised more than $28 million for
gubernatorial candidates and helped elect the first Democratic majority of
governors since 1994. Governor Richardson also served as Chair of the
Western Governors Association, Border Governor's Conference and the 2004
Democratic National Convention.
Bill Richardson has been married
to his high school sweetheart, Barbara, for 33 years. Richardson received a
BA from Tufts in 1970 and a MA from Tuft's Fletcher School of Law and
Diplomacy in 1971. |
