Barbara Richardson is happy to be out of the spotlight

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Barbara Richardson, the wife of Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson, said in an interview she is happy not being in the spotlight like other political spouses.

"I am sure others do what they are comfortable with, but it is not who I am," said Richardson.

This presidential cycle has seen the traditional role of the political spouse change. Not only is one candidate's spouse a former president, but Elizabeth Edwards and Jeri Thompson play integral roles in the campaign. Michelle Obama recently has been widely quoted for some words that could be interpreted as criticisms of Hillary Clinton.

Barbara Richardson is in the state today campaigning alongside her husband where, among other events she is scheduled to attend a picnic in Keene.

This is not to say that she doesn't enjoy campaigning, she doesn't "need" it the way her husband does.

"[Bill] really needs to be around people all the time. He feeds off people and gets so much energy because he loves it," said Richardson. "I need an hour and a half or so a day just to myself to wind down or read."

When she isn't campaigning or acting in the official role as First Lady of New Mexico, she enjoys gardening and reading mystery-adventure novels.