More on Richardson's exit

Posted: Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:59 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Andrea Mitchell
Richardson's own polling showed that they were not going to do well in his next-door state of Nevada, where he had campaigned aggressively. It became important to get out before Nevada and avoid the embarrassment.

Said one adviser, "It wouldnt do us any good to get our a** kicked in Nevada."

At a staff meeting today, people were told that Richardson will not endorse Obama or Clinton -- but release any supporters to whomever they prefer.

In Iowa, Clinton campaign officials were angry at Richardson for what they claimed were backroom deals with Obama on second-round choices in the caucuses.

Richardson holds a press conference today in New Mexico at 3:00 pm ET.

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Comments

In our caucus in Iowa Richardson was not viable but there was no evidence of back room deals from Richardson supporters or any other supporters of non-viable candidates.

Katy (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 5:02 PM)

Would like to see Bloomberg get in the race as a true independent. With his financial resources he will not have to sell his soul to the lobbyists. Sorry to see Richardson drop out.Has a lot of foreign affairs experience.

DOUGLAS RAPOLL SCOTTSDALE ARIZONA (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 5:30 PM)

Alas, given the his lousy showing in IO & NH, I don't think that Richardson had any choice but to bow out. I do think it is a pity. I think he was the most qualified Democrat running. But his campaign never seem to get the money, coverage, or momentum that is necessary.

On the other hand, I think he is wise to bow out now. By running, he did increase his awareness to the general public. He brought some important issues to the focus of the campaign. By not endorsing anyone, he burns no bridges. I hope that whoever the nominee is will consider him as a VP candidate. His experience would be an asset if the Democrats do win.

Richard C. (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 5:39 PM)

Muslim upbringing?

I didn't know that Hawaii was a Muslim area. Obama spent four years in Indonesia, then off to Hawaii where he went to a very exclusive and very white private high school. Or maybe it was that year and a half at ultra Muslim Occidental College.

Scott Oxford, OH (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 5:41 PM)

I lived in New Mexico and actually campaigned for John Sanchez(R) who ran against Richardson(D). Richardson's benefit was name recognition.

But I felt that Richardson would have posed a good threat against the Republicans. One of the first things Richardson did when he got elected govenor was to travel to Silicon Valley to try and muster up some jobs for New Mexico. I disagree with Richardson on social stuff, but felt he was pretty conservative fiscally.

He could have posed a good threat against the Republicans.

Rob, Iowa (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 6:05 PM)

Gov. Richardson, on behalf of the people living in the Four Corners, you are a great man with impeccable qualities; we will always support you. You could have helped this Nation and other Nations as well. See you on the range where real work is a blessing.

Dusty, St. Michaels, Az (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 6:07 PM)

mahaime:

MR. Richardson's former employer was the United States Government,the People's employee in other words OUR employee. If you are trying to say that he was employed by the Clinton's then you are a fool because the Clinton's were ALSO employed by the People. Or did you miss that part in 9th Grade Civics Class?

The Reborn Dragon, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Sent Thursday, January 10, 2008 6:42 PM)

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