Richardson supports Pelosi's visit to Syria

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- The White House criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Syria, but New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson defended the visit.

Pelosi met with Syrian officials on Wednesday. Democrats like Pelosi have argued for the Bush Administration to talk with Syria and Iran to see if it is possible to involve them in stopping violence in Iraq.

"The White House is not pleased, but we should be talking to Syria," said Richardson, who has negotiated with several countries. "My view is that you negotiate in a very tough way with Syria.

"She’s the Speaker of the House and she is making a statement. She is not saying anything that in my view is contrary to American foreign policy. She’s supportive of Israel. She knows Syria is a problem. Syria hearing our concerns directly instead of through the news media is much more effective," he said.

Richardson is making several campaign stops in New Hampshire Wednesday and Thursday.