Richardson sounds presidential in speech

Though he only made one reference to a potential White House run in his state of the state address, Gov. Bill Richardson sounded like a man campaigning for president.

His announced agenda for the session, reiterated during the speech, included many topics that are hot on a national level, including raising the minimum wage, cutting taxes, combating global warming, increasing use of renewable energy, raising teacher salaries, repairing aging schools, improving health care and raising ethical standards of government officials.

He pledged to work hard to sell his agenda to lawmakers.

“Regardless of any future political plans that I may have, my priority will be a successful legislative session,” Richardson said – his one reference to an expected announcement later this month that he’s running for president.

Richardson, who has been working for months on honing his policy stances and physical appearance, looked fit, trim, confident and knowledgeable during the speech. He was accompanied by his wife Barbara, who he referred to as “my partner.” He reminded legislators of his time as a congressman and his overwhelming victory last year in his gubernatorial re-election bid.

Richardson used that support from New Mexico voters to counter arguments that the state budget is increasing too quickly and that he is making too many changes.

“The message from 69 percent of voters was loud and clear,” Richardson said. “The people of New Mexico are calling us to act. We can’t slow down. We have too much to do.”

At the same time, Richardson demanded that lawmakers put aside 10 percent of this year’s new money, rather than including it in the budget.

“I will accept nothing less,” he said.