Bill Richardson Interview: "I'm the Most Pro-Gay Candidate"
The Democratic candidates prepare to face-off at tomorrow's debate in New Hampshire and Iraq and the recent homeland security events are expected to dominate the discussion. At least one of the candidates wants gays and lesbians to know that he will support our causes.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (seen at the Human Rights Campaign Gala Dinner last March in Los Angeles) is having his big gay weekend. This afternoon he is participating in Cedar Rapids Pride and yesterday, one day after an in-depth interview by IN Los Angeles where he said, “I believe that my record makes me the most pro-gay/lesbian candidate in the country."
“My record as a congressman, which was nearly perfect on gay rights issues—I voted against ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ I would get rid of it as president. My record as governor: I have passed and pushed issues relating to domestic partnership—I had a special session that included domestic partnership three months ago, [making me] the first governor to have a special session on [such] an issue.
"We’ve passed nondiscrimination laws in New Mexico that deal with insurance, jobs. We passed a hate crimes law. I had an executive order that permitted domestic partners to have insurance rights and health care.
Richardson explains his strategy (which we agree with) on incrementally
building support for LGBT issues: "What you want to do is create
conditions that address issues, in the short term, the American people
support and understand like non-discrimination on the basis of
insurance, like ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ finding ways to fund AIDS more
extensively—basic protections [like] domestic partnerships."
Richardson arguably boasts the most impressive resumé in the campaign. He's also demonstrated impressive leadership on LGBT issues, such as that special session to vote on domestic partnerships, no small feat in a conservative state that voted for George W. Bush. Much of the election coverage has been dominated by the top tier, which is too bad because Richardson and Dodd have some strong positions.
New Hampshire just approved civil unions legislation, so it's almost certain there should be at least some discussion of gay rights and unions at tomorrow nights debate.
Richardson Pledges to be an “Activist” [INLA via PageOneQ] Bill Richardson’s Got Pride [Queerty] Candidates to Face Off in New Hampshire [CNN]
Some Background ...
NM House Approves Domestic Partner Legislation [R20]
Diversity Draws Donors [R20]
News: Richardson Announcement [R20]
It's "Hard to Tell" Where Hillary Stands [R20]
He's the only candidate that I like and would vote for, but, I don't see him going that deep in the draw, which is a shame. All the others on both sides leave me cold and totally uninterested in anything they have to say, other than Edwards to a small extent.
Posted by: Luther | 02 June 2007 at 19:10