Gov. Richardson Touts DFNM's Paper Ballot Effort in Iraq War Message to DFA

"I don't support leaving a residual force in Iraq. We should get out lock, stock, and barrel." - Governor Bill Richardson

Democracy for America has asked the presidential candidates to respond to a request for a statement about their positions on Iraq. Here's the video response from Gov. Bill Richardson. In addition to strong statements about the Iraq war, Gov. Richardson comments on how much he enjoyed working with Democracy for New Mexico members on the successful paper ballot initiative passed during last year's legislative session. As I'm sure you recall, many of us worked hard on gaining passage for that landmark legislation (introduced by NM Sen. Linda Lopez) along with the wonderful grassroots election reform groups United Voters of NM, Verified Voting NM, Voter Action and others. (Click for post on bill signing.)

Here's what DFA's Executive Director, Tom Hughes, has to say about Gov. Richardson's message:

From Democracy for America:
Watch Gov. Richardson's Response "I agree." That is just one of Governor Bill Richardson's responses to DFA members who wrote comments in our Presidential Primary Petition on Iraq. We asked each of the candidates to oppose any escalation of the Iraq War, demand a swift end to the occupation, and propose a plan that brings our brave men and women home. I'm excited to make his video to you available today.

https://www.democracyforamerica.com/richardson

Governor Richardson has a long history in American foreign policy, including negotiating the release of two American prisoners in Iraq directly from Saddam Hussein during Bill Clinton's presidency. The Governor believes "we need to get out of Iraq this calendar year." He supports diplomacy that brings "a reconciliation of the three religious groups into a coalition government" and "surrounding powers in the region to deal with future security." What he doesn't support is leaving a residual force in Iraq. "We should get out lock, stock and barrel."

This isn't the first time Governor Richardson has worked with DFA members. Last year, he worked with a local DFA group in New Mexico (Democracy for New Mexico) to pass verifiable paper ballots. According to Governor Richardson, "It's the law of the land here in our state and we did it together."

DFA members will continue to work together and pressure the presidential candidates on the most important issues. Our voices will be heard and our actions will continue to move America forward.

Thank you for everything you do,
Tom Hughes, Executive Director, DFA

P.S. Governor Richardson made this video specifically for Democracy for America. If you like what you see and hear, I encourage you to sign up for his campaign and help in any way you can:

https://richardsonforpresident.com

That said, this message should not be construed as an endorsement of Governor Richardson's candidacy. In the months ahead other candidates for president will be reaching out to Democracy for America members too, because you have the power to shape the presidential primaries in a way no one else can.

Editor's Note: John Edwards has also responded with a short video to DFA's call for a message on his position on Iraq. Click to read our previous post with his video.

Democracy for New Mexico is loosely affiliated with the national group, Democracy for America, which has its origins in the presidential campaign of Howard Dean when it was known as Dean for America. Click to learn more about DFA.

DFA-Democracy for New Mexico Meetups are held on the first Thursday of the month in Albuquerque. To become a member and join our email list, visit our Meetup site. You should also register at Democracy for America so you can be kept informed of their actions on the national level. Once registered, you can also join our DFA Link group. Although we still use Meetup for our meeting organization, members are urged to also register at our DFA Link page so they can receive important information from the national group.