Portsmouth Mayor endorses Richardson

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- Bill Richardson will receive the endorsement of Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand this afternoon, the Globe has learned. The endorsement is the most significant development in Richardson's New Hampshire campaign so far.

Marchand is not only the mayor of a city with the best Demcratic Primary turnout in the state, but he is also a former political operative who has managed races at nearly every state and federal office. Last month he fulfilled a promise to drop out of the US Senate race when former Governor Jeanne Shaheen, a fellow Democrat, wanted to run.

Because of his background both as an operative and as a candidate, Marchand is expected to both be a senior strategist for the Richardson campaign and be an active surrogate.

Richardson is expected to be in New Hampshire tomorrow.