NM-03: Former Ambassador Joe Wilson Officially Endorses Wiviott

Yesterday, the Wiviott Campaign announced the major endorsement of prominent Iraq war critic and respected diplomat Ambassador Joseph Wilson. Citing Wiviott’s commitment to finding a responsible end to the Iraq war, Wilson (right) praised Wiviott’s judgment and ability to effectively represent New Mexico’s Third District in the United States Congress.

“Don Wiviott’s call for an end to war in Iraq is a voice that is sorely needed in Washington,” Wilson said. “Wiviott has an extensive understanding of the situation in Iraq, and I’m confident his election will provide a crucial catalyst for change in Iraq and improving the strength of our international stature throughout the world.”

“I am honored to have the support of Ambassador Joe Wilson in this effort,” Wiviott (left) said. “Few individuals in our country possess a wider breadth of knowledge and experience in American foreign policy than Joe Wilson. I look forward to working closely with him and heeding his advice on Iraq and the Middle East.”

"During my time in Washington, I met a lot of career politicians," Wilson said. "Too many of them are beholden to the lobbyists and far too many have lost touch with the people who sent them there. Sending another career politician to Washington isn’t going to change anything. That’s why I’m so excited about Don Wiviott. He doesn’t represent politics-as-usual –he’s a breath of fresh air. He’s a new kind of leader with bold ideas for turning our country around."

Wilson spent over two decades as a career diplomat in the US Foreign Service, most notably in Africa and the Middle East. He was the Deputy Chief of Mission in Baghdad, Iraq from 1988-1991, where he played a crucial role in the run up to the Gulf War. From 1992 to 1995 Wilson was Ambassador to Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe. After finishing his Ambassadorship in 1995, Wilson served as a special assistant to President Clinton and Director for African Affairs at the National Security Council.

Wilson is also the bestselling author of “The Politics of Truth: Inside the Lies that Led to War and Betrayed My Wife's CIA Identity: A Diplomat's Memoir”, a book detailing his struggle to hold the Bush Administration responsible for fabrications in pre-war intelligence.

Also see Joe Wilson's personal email message discussing why he supports Don Wiviott and urging contributions to Wiviott's campaign.

Photos by M.E. Broderick. To read our previous coverage of the 2008 NM-03 Congressional race, visit our archive.