Richardson says 4 early states will pick nominee

DES MOINES, Iowa --Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson thinks the race for his party's nomination will be all but over by the end of next January after the first four contests.

The Democrats' tentative nominating schedule begins in January, with caucuses in Iowa and then in Nevada, followed by the New Hampshire primary and then South Carolina's, Jan. 29.

"I believe the first four states, with Iowa and New Hampshire being the top ones, will determine who the president is. I always felt that way," Richardson said Sunday in an interview with The Associated Press as he wrapped up a two-day visit to Iowa.

The New Mexico governor defended his push to move up Western states in the election calendar, saying the new schedule would not diminish the role that Iowa and New Hampshire play in picking a nominee.

Richardson spoke over breakfast in downtown Des Moines at the end of a packed weekend that included a half-dozen house parties, meetings with party leaders and time with Iowa bloggers.

He said the small-group events are indicative of the type of campaign he will run.

"I have my own plan to convince the voters I'm the best candidate," he said. "It's called grass-roots campaigning. You know, debates, issues and discussions."

In a crowded field, the candidates with the most name recognition and fundraising are Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois, along with 2004 vice presidential nominee John Edwards.

"What the pundits say about who's in, who's out, who's got the most money doesn't matter," Richardson said. "I have a sustained plan to introduce myself to the voters ... and so far I feel very satisfied. I feel I can do very well."

This was Richardson's first trip to Iowa since announcing he would run for president. Richardson said his conversations with Iowans have convinced him that voters are hungry for a candidate with executive experience.

"I am emphasizing that I'm a governor who actually gets things done," he said.

Richardson acknowledged that other candidates had an earlier start in Iowa, but he said his campaign had hired full-time staffers in the state, and he interviewed more during this trip.

He expressed confidence that he could catch up.

"The main message I got was, 'Iowans are open.'" he said. "They resent that the media has created a myth that two candidates are the only serious ones. My impression is that Iowans take their role as the first caucus very seriously and they're going to scrutinize all candidates."