Much of the latest gay-related news from the election campaign has focused on Hillary Clinton's overtures or the marriage equality split between John and Elizabeth Edwards. Not fair, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson tells The Bay Area Reporter, especially in the latter case.
Based on the coverage in the local daily press one would think she was the first person tied to a presidential campaign to make such an appearance.
Yet Richardson, and not his emissary, showed up at the Pride festival in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Saturday, June 2. [Reported here on Rod 2.0.] Unlike Elizabeth Edwards, who went to an LGBT Democratic political club's private event where non-members had to pay $85 to get in, Richardson dropped by the Midwest city's public festival and met with attendees free of charge.
"I can use a little more support from the gay rights community, both political and financial support," Richardson explains. "I believe I have the record. I am making inroads."
Good point. Richardson boasts a strong record—but presents small initiatives, such as the Iowa appearance. The governor also suffers from the Joe Biden Disease: Foot in mouth and tin ear. At Thursday night's Democratic debate, Richardson praised the Bush Administration's AIDS funding record ... in Africa. Even more apparent was his gaffe at the first debate. Former Washington Blade Editor Chris Crain noted, Richardson "said Byron "Whizzer" White was his 'model Supreme Court
justice'—even though White authored the anti-choice dissent in Roe
vs. Wade and anti-gay majority opinion in Bowers vs. Hardwick."
Gov. Bill Richardson was a brilliant negotiator and United Nations Ambassador. Perhaps he brings that skill set to the presidential campaign, proposing incremental initiatives when he should make bolder plans and praising opponents when he should, as Hillary says, "deck 'em.". The governor's poll numbers are up and so are donations. Maybe the change will be soon
Richardson Works for Gay Votes [Bay Area Reporter]
Another Blunder for Bill? [Citizen Crain]
Richardson Raises $7 Million [LA Times]
Some Background ...
"I'm the Most Pro-Gay Candidate" [R20]
Democrats Debate Homopohobia, Racism,HIV [R20]
Democratic Candidates Debate Gay Issues [R20]
SCOTUS Rejects School Diversity [R20]
Obama Warns of Black "Quiet Riot [R20]
Clinton Names Prominent Gay Supporters [R20]
Obama Campaign Names Gay Supporters [R20]
Behind the Gay-Friendly Faces [Advocate]
The Advocate: Clinton vs Obama [R20]
Memo to Mr. Geffen: Get Over It [R20]
I sure hope so, he has a great message on so many issues, and its just not getting heard.
Posted by: Andy | 30 June 2007 at 21:20
Bill Richardson has a fabulous message. It's just so hard toget it oiut there with Hillary and Obama sucking up all the oxygen.
Posted by: Alan T | 30 June 2007 at 23:31
Hey, I added you to my blogroll. Could you take a look and see if my site is worthy to be on your roll? :-)
Posted by: Eric | 01 July 2007 at 01:35