Bill Richardson Tries to Lose Union Endorsement

Democratic Presidential hopeful Bill Richardson ended his speech to a union meeting with, “Thank you, AFSCME!”

Problem is, he was speaking to the SEIU.

Not just the wrong union -- but a rival one.

Kinda like shouting "Hook 'em Horns" at commencement ceremonies at the University of Oklahoma. (MSNBC)

Richardson Still Interviewing in Ads

Former Gov Bill Richardson (D-NM) has launched his third humorous ad in the "job interview" series. In two earlier ads, he sat for a job interview to be President -- being told he was overqualified. In the third one he's asked what he did as governor to fight global climate change.



The meat of the ad:

Richardson :"We passed tax credits for wind, solar and bio fuels,' Richardson says. 'Utility companies have to use renewable sources. And I set tough standards to reduce greenhouse emissions. President Bush doesn't follow the Kyoto Treaty, but my state does. I can do all that as president.'

Interviewer: "But what I asked you was if you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?"

The humorous ads seem to be helping. AP reports his poll numbers have ticked up some since they started airing -- but not enough to get him into the top tier. (Utica Observer Dispatch)

Never Let the Facts Get in the Way

Never let facts get in the way of a good story.

Former Gov Bill Richardson (D-NM) (left) has a great story he tells on the stump as he campaigns for President. It's about how he attended the funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Aaron Austin (right) back in 2004. He tells crowds that after the funeral, LCpl Austin's mother came up to him, thanked him for the federal death benefits she recieved and showed him the check.

Just a few problems with that tale. From the Associated Press:

In speeches in New Hampshire, Richardson has gotten Austin's name wrong at least once and age wrong at least twice. He also has called Austin the first New Mexico soldier killed in Iraq - instead of the third.

But that's not what bothers the Marine's mother, De'on Miller, of Lovington, N.M., who says the conversation about money never took place.

Gov Richardson sticks to his story. He says the meeting inspired his plan making New Mexico the first state to underwrite $250,000 in life insurance for National Guard members. That amount is up to $400,000 now. (AP via Washington Times)

Bill Richardson -- Overqualified?

Former Gov Bill Richardson (D-NM) has a pair of funny campaign commercials out in a situation a lot of voters can identify with -- trying to get a job.