Obama pays attention to Western Issues
Sen. Barack Obama vowed Thursday to restore environmental protections the Bush administration has rolled back through executive orders, especially at the Environmental Protection Agency, which he said has been "demoralized."
The Democratic presidential hopeful from Illinois also said he intends to spend significant time campaigning in Nevada because the state with an early Jan. 19 caucus date is representative of a Western region he said is the key to the nation's future.Las Vegas SunMay 31.
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Richardson, In for the Long Haul
Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico has formally kicked off his bid for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination, highlighting his Hispanic roots and wealth of experience and issuing a forceful call to end American involvement in Iraq.
Quotes from his announcement: a pledge to "leave no troops behind in Iraq"; on immigration, "no fence ever built has stopped history".
One of Mr. Richardson’s greatest strengths is the breadth and diversity of his résumé. In addition to his United Nations posting during the Clinton administration, Mr. Richardson also served as secretary of energy. He is a two-term governor and also represented New Mexico in Congress for 14 years
New York Times May 22. Article by Leslie Wayne.
Salazar for Vice President?
Rep. Mark Udall, D-Colo., was the latest political insider to mention the possibility of fellow Colorado Democrat Ken Salazar as a vice presidential candidate.
Udall told The Daily Sentinel of Grand Junction, Colo., that he thinks a westerner such as Salazar or New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson would make the ticket "more compelling."
Richardson is running for the presidential nomination. Udall himself is running for the Senate seat that will be vacated next year by Colorado Republican Wayne Allard, who is retiring.
Democrats have scored important wins in several Western states in recent years. Many think the party should try to capitalize on those victories in 2008.
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry could have won in 2004 had he picked up any three of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada, Udall said.
Salazar said he agrees that a westerner would help the Democrats pick up key electoral votes. But, he added, "Who that will be, I have no idea."
Salazar has said previously he would consider running for vice president if asked. But during a recent conference call with reporters, he said only that he hopes a westerner will be on the Democratic ticket next year.
