Richardson formally enters presidential race as NH campaign slowly grows

MANCHESTER, N.H. – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson formally entered the presidential race Monday in Los Angeles at a time when his poll numbers are improving and his New Hampshire campaign is slowly growing.

If elected, Richardson would become the nation’s first Hispanic president. In the current group of Democratic presidential candidates he is also the only governor.

In an interview Richardson said he chose to announce in Los Angeles because of California large Hispanic population and the fact that the state now is holding an earlier primary.

He said that recent polls showing up picking up momentum where a result of his grassroots style of campaigning and his heavily television advertising.

“The fact is there are a lot of voters out there saying, wait there are other candidates in this race,” said Richardson.

Last week his presidential campaign released the names of 40 people who will serve on this New Hampshire steering committee. The co-chairs of that committee are state Representative Candace Bouchard, lobbyist Dick Bouley, former state Democratic Party chair Jeff Woodburn and former state Labor Commissioner Jim Casey.

Among those also on the steering committee is state Repsentative Eileen Ehlers, a Hooksett Democrat.

In an interview Monday, Ehlers said it is only supporters from the top three Democratic presidential campaigns – Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Barack Obama – that act surprised when they learn she is supporting Edwards.

“The people I talk to in my community aren’t surprised at all. They tell me the more they hear about him the more they like him,” said Ehlers. “The truth is just not a lot of people have heard him but that will change.”