Hostages praise Richardson in new ad

Bill Richardson has not been universally praised over the years for his freelance diplomacy.

But in a new ad that began airing today in Iowa and New Hampshire, there's nothing but praise from two American contractors who were arrested as alleged spies and held captive in Iraq in 1995 -- until Richardson came to Baghdad to negotiate with Saddam Hussein for their release. In at times tearful testimonials, they say that Richardson has a huge heart and the courage to venture where others didn't dare.

The New Mexico governor served as the US ambassador to the United Nations, but he's better known for his diplomatic efforts as a congressman. Richardson also negotiated the release of hostages and US military servicemembers in Cuba, North Korea, and the Sudan.

In trying to break into the top tier of Democratic presidential hopefuls, Richardson has been arguing that his negotiating successes show that he is tough and smart enough to face down the world's most ruthless dictators.