"Am I going to be the first American president to do more for Hispanics than any other president?"

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February 27, 2007

Richardson Promotes His Presidential Run to Hispanic Leaders



By Sayed Zafar Hashemi

(AXcess News) Washington - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson amused an audience of Hispanic leaders in the fourth week of his campaign for the Democratic nomination for president.

Being a Hispanic is a positive credit for his "win," Richardson said in a speech Tuesday. He added that since the beginning of his presidential drive, his poll numbers have risen from 1 percent to 8 percent.

"I am moving up!" he said to applause and laughter.

Speaking without a formal written speech, Richardson asked, "Am I going to be the first American president to do more for Hispanics than any other president?" He answered his own question with a strong "Yes!" But he said he wasn't just running on Hispanic issues.

Born Nov. 15, 1947, in Pasadena, Calif., to an American father and Mexican mother, Richardson grew up in Mexico City before moving to New England, where he attended high school and college.

The governor recalled his last visit with his 93-year-old mother, who calls him a Spanish nickname "Mijito," a term of endearment for a young boy. He said she asked him, "Are you still governor of New Mexico?" and was bamboozled when he told her he was starting his presidential campaign. She asked him, president of which country? That drew a laugh from the crowd.

Richardson said he is seeking help for his "long journey" and is confident he can win. He ended his speech by saying. "In fact, I think I am a best qualified for this job."

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