STRATHAM, N.H. -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson spoke to employees at Timberland, the outdoor sportswear company, for about an hour about education, the environment and immigration policy.

But he ended with this pitch:

"Look, I need you to vote for me," he said. "I need the votes more than the other guys."

HUDSON, N.H. -- Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson said his campaign will focus solely on the war in Iraq in the last few weeks of this campaign.

"I am going to make Iraq the main issue. I am going to point out the differences between me and the other candidates," Richardson said in an interview after he held an "Iraq Town Hall" meeting at a high school here.

"I was very upset at the vote in Congress allowing $70 billion more to go to Iraq," Richardson said.

Earlier in the fall Richardson declared at Manchester West High School that education was the most important issue of the campaign.

CLAREMONT, N.H. -- Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson, who appears permanently in fourth place in polls in New Hampshire, made his pitch here to a room of seniors by reminding them that historically New Hampshire voters "like underdogs" like him.

"You like upsets, you like underdogs," Richardson said.

He spoke and took questions for an hour at a podium propped up by a deck of cards and a microphone that petered out at the end.

But for the most part the crowd of 60 people was attentive and applauded often as he addressed immigration, healthcare policy, and the economy.

A recent Concord Monitor poll released Friday morning showed Richardson with 8 percent support behind Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards.

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Flanked by a pilot he rescued in southern Sudan, Bill Richardson told an American Legion audience he would improve healthcare for veterans, including those coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It is not just a question about ending the war it is also about taking care of our veterans," Richardson said.

The event kicked off a two-day campaign swing in the state. He was introduced by veteran and Manchester Alderman Mike Lopez, who endorsed him.

The event did get off to an odd start. Richardson was introduced twice to applause but he did not emerge from another room. Eventually one man said that Richardson was being held up by the British Ambassador to the United States.

This prompted one man in the waiting audience of 100 to ask "is the Ambassador a New Hampshire voter?"

GOFFSTOWN, N.H. -- Democratic presidential candidates Bill Richardson and Joe Biden each spoke about the escalating situation in Pakistan, where the president there has declared a state of emergency.

Both were at a conference sponsored by the bi-partisan Center for Global Engagement at the Saint Anselm College Institute of Politics.

Both Richardson and Biden compared the situation in Pakistan to that of Iran in the late 1970s where the government eventually took American hostages. They said that to avoid that situation President Bush must reach out to moderate elements in Pakistan and encourage them not to support a more radical government, as is the threat if President Pervez Musharraf were to leave power.

For Biden the speech was billed as a major foriegn policy address and outlined short-term, near-term, and long-term goals.

Biden said he called Musharraf as well as opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. He said the felt Musharraf understood "the consequences for his country and for relations with the United States if he does not return Pakistan to the path of democracy."

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.

The man who became the first public supporter in New Hampshire for Bill Clinton as he sought the presidency has decided he doesn't feel the say way about Hillary Clinton.

George Bruno, a former state Democratic chair, endorsed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today where he will have a role on the campaign's national policy team.

Bruno, a Manchester attorney, was such a key supporter to Clinton in the 1992 race that he was one of three New Hampshire people to be awarded ambassadorships.

The other two -- Terry Shumaker and Dick Swett -- are aiding Hillary.

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson accused Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton of trying to have it both ways by pledging not to participate in Michigan's rule breaking primary, but not removing her name from the state's presidential primary ballot.

"She is trying to have it both ways," said Richardson after a speech on education policy in Manchester. "She thinks she is the nominee so she doesn't want to alienate Michigan voters.

"You can't have it both ways and say don't put my name on the ballot in Michigan and then say don't take it off," he said.

Richardson was one of four candidates, including Barack Obama, John Edwards and Joe Biden, who filed paperwork Tuesday to take their names off the Michigan ballot.,

Michigan is being punished by candidates and the Democratic National Committee for not abiding my party rules as to when they should hold their presidential primary.

Another installment from Primary Source's assistant Brian Lawson. You can read his blog here.

On Saturday, September 1st, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson attended a Londonderry house party. Before an audience of 60 Granite Staters, Richardson touched upon the topics of Iraq, education, healthcare and energy. The stump speech was a mixture of policy viewpoints and one-liners.

What: New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson attends a house party
Where: Londonderry, New Hampshire
How many people: 60 people, 4 photographers, WMUR-TV, AP
How late was he: 30 minutes late due to a G.P.S. mistake

Political organizations in attendance: Carbon Coalition, Stop Sununu, PrioritiesNH

Best Richardson one-liner: "Can I go off the record." Richardson when asked for his view on ethanol.

Best quote of the event: "I'm an endangered species; I'm a Democrat who cuts taxes."-Bill Richardson

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.

Manchester Mayoral candidate and state Representative Jane Beaulieu endorsed Bill Richardson's presidential campaign along with a number of city residents, according to a list released by the campaign today.

Also on that list is State Representative and Manchester Alderman Pat Long, State Representative Maurice Pilotte, and State Representative Joel Winters.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said he didn't want to weigh in on the dispute among his rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, over diplomacy, but the former UN Ambassador did say how he would approach the issue.

"I am for diplomacy and dialogue. In face I have met with Castro and the North Koreans. I believe in talking with our enemies, but here is the deal: you can't just talk, you have to get something out of the talks," Richardson said to reporters in New Hampshire. "I would set no pre-conditions in talking with them."

All week Obama and Clinton have been sparring over their responses to a question asked at a debate Monday night. Asked whether they would meet with leaders from countries hostile to the United States in their first year as president, Obama said he would; Clinton said she would not agree to meeting without pre-conditions.

While Richardson's view sounds closer to Obama's position, he said he wasn't getting into the debate.

"I don't want to interfere in their dispute," Richardson said. "In fact, I hope their dispute continues."

In a recent poll, Richardson is running third behind Clinton and Obama in New Hampshire.

CONCORD, N.H. -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said that if he was elected president he would require all of his US Supreme Court nominees to uphold the Roe v. Wade abortion decision.

"Some people call this a 'litmus test'. I call it respecting precedent and putting women's lives above politics," Richardson said.

The Democratic presidential candidate was in Concord to launch a new group called "Women for Richardson." Among the group's co-chairs are his Lieutenant Governor in New Mexico and three of his cabinet officers. Two of the six members were from New Hampshire.

In announcing the group, Richardson said that among his priorities is equal pay for men and women; allowing stay-at-home mothers to earn Social Security credits; and passing an Equal Rights Amendment to the constitution.

In a taped interview after the event with WBUR-FM, the Boston public radio station, Richardson said politicians abandon the "farce" that a president should never quiz potential court nominees about past cases.

"Of course, presidents have candid conversations about the issues with these people," Richardson said. "Would I ask about abortion? No. Would I ask about his position about settled law, like what I believe abortion is? Yes."

On Thursday Bill Richardson will apparently become the first candidate ever to visit Marlow, New Hampshire, quite a statement given the number of visits the state sees from presidential candidates.

Richardson will hold a "job interview" event at the Marlow Historical Society. The president of the society confirms that Richardson is the first ever to appear in town.

Marlow has a population of under 800 and is located in Southwestern New Hampshire.

BOSTON -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said he will attend four Fourth of July parades in New Hampshire this year. The first of those parades, Richardson said, would be at midnight.

"That is how I am going to win being a grassroots candidate," Richardson said.

Richardson was in Boston for a campaign fund-raiser this morning before giving policy speeches in New York and Washington.

Carlos Gonzalez, a Republican who ran for Manchester mayor in 2003, is now supporting Democrat New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's presidential campaign.

"Governor Bill Richardson is by far the most qualified candidate in the race for President," said Gonzalez, who will change his registration to Democrat so he can vote for Richardson in next year's primary.

While Manchester technically is non-partisan, Gonzalez was backed by the Republican establishment in his run for mayor but was soundly defeated by incumbent Democratic Mayor Bob Baines.

He also served as a state representative.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a Democratic presidential candidate, announced on a conference call with reporters Thursday that he has hired a political consultant from Colorado to run his campaign in New Hampshire.

Janis Hahn, who lacks any presidential campaign experience or any in New Hampshire, will oversee three full time staff members in the state.

In Colorado she was the consultant for several school board elections as well as a Colorado Springs City Council race. In California she worked for the Democratic coordinated campaign.

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.”

HOOKSETT, N.H. -- Wrapping up a three-day campaign swing to New Hampshire Monday afternoon, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a Democratic presidential candidate, said he will compete in the state's primary no matter how early it takes place.

"I will be here no matter what, but please don't schedule it for July because I need some time to compete," quipped Richardson to a group of 30 at a quick stop in Hooksett.

Richardson is the first major candidate to visit Robie's Country Store here, a classic New Hampshire primary stop. Inside the small store are photographs and bumper stickers of campaigns past. Last year, Republican presidential candidate John Cox visited the store.

"I will meet with every voter at least 7 times if I have to," said Richardson.

Over the weekend Richardson addressed an AFL-CIO convention, attended house parties, and headlined a local Democratic Party's annual clambake fund-raiser.

Former New Hampshire State Democratic Chairman Jeff Woodburn announced over the weekend he is supporting New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's presidential campaign.

Woodburn was the state chair from 1997-1999. In 2004 he was the New Hampshire chairman for Senator Joe Lieberman's presidential campaign.

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.

MANCHESTER, N.H. – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said he is concerned with the number of states that are trying to hold early presidential primaries – particularly populous states – because then the process would favor well-known, better-financed candidates.

“I think it is good that more diverse states are participating early and getting a say,” Richardson said in an interview. “But if we are going to be talking about states like New Jersey and California that is a whole different ball game. Though I would do well in California.”

In 2005, the Democratic National Committee set up a panel to consider how their party's presidential nominee would be chosen in 2008. Richardson said the panel did a good job of adding diversity, but never really addressed the issue of “front-loading” -- the number of states moving their primary dates near the established early ones in New Hampshire and South Carolina.

That could result in a nomination process that would be wrapped up in a matter of weeks, not months.

New Hampshire’s Secretary of State has threatened to move the state’s first-in-the-nation primary in order to preserve its special status.

Though that would violate DNC rules, Richardson said he would compete in the state anyhow. “New Hampshire is just too important,” he said.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a Democrat, said he briefly considered not running against Senator Hillary Clinton for president because of his relationship with her husband.

Richardson said he will file papers to form a presidential exploratory committee today. Before becoming governor, Richardson was propelled by President Clinton into national prominence by being nominated as US Secretary of Energy and as the country’s United Nations Ambassador. Before those appointments Richardson was a New Mexico congressman.

In a phone interview, Richardson said he was extremely grateful for the opportunities Clinton gave him and they remain friends, but that he is his own man now.

“[The Clinton relationship] crossed my mind early on in the fall,” said Richardson. “I decided that my very strong relationship was with him, not so much with her, although she is a friend also. More importantly my experience and my background have crystallized as governor. I feel like I came on my own as governor.”

An aide to New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson told The Associated Press late Friday afternoon he will file papers to form a presidential exploratory committee.

Calls to Richardson's office were not returned.

Richardson, a Democrat, attended Tufts University. Prior to becoming governor he was a congressman, United Nations Ambassador, and the US Secretary of Energy.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson believes the Democratic Party needs a “free-spirited” primary for the presidential nomination. But he won’t decide until next month whether he will be part of that contest.

In an interview with the Globe, Richardson said it would be good if Senator Barack Obama joined the presidential race. Even though it might hurt his own chances to be the nominee, Richardson said an Obama campaign would bring in new voters.

“I am not among those praying he doesn’t get in,” Richardson said. “He brings a measure of excitement that is really good for us as a party, and I think the party needs a free-spirited primary.”

Richardson visited New Hampshire on Saturday and Sunday where he attended several house parties and addressed the Democratic Party’s state committee meeting.

If he does run for president, Richardson said, his campaign supporters would be different from the hordes of people attending Obama’s first trip to New Hampshire recently.

“I am a retail politics guy,” Richardson said. “I know a lot of people in the media aren’t treating me as seriously as they are other people, but I have been encouraged by the discussions I am having with voters in living rooms and diners.”

Richardson, a life-long Red Sox fan, said he was also very hopeful about the Sox’s newest acquisition, Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Japanese pitcher.

“I hope this makes up for the loss of Pedro [Martinez],” said Richardson, who pitched in the famed Cape Cod League. “It shows that globalization has hit baseball and it looks like this guy might be the real deal.”

“I am at two percent -- for God sakes let me stay and answer some questions.”

At a New Hampshire house party Sunday, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson jokingly told his staffers to quit telling him he was late to the next event. Thus far, Richardson has gotten only single-digit support in his run for president among Granite State voters.