Starting with Gov. Bill Richardson, a number of New Mexico Democrats were quick today to get behind Barack Obama’s selection of Joe Biden as his running mate.
“Joe Biden brings seasoned judgment, foreign policy expertise and a great sense of humor to the ticket,”
Biden beat out Richardson and several others who Obama considered for the vice-presidential spot on the ticket. Richardson admitted today at an Obama campaign meeting in Albuquerque that he was “a little disappointed” when Obama called him Friday to tell him he wasn’t his pick, according to The Associated Press.
But the selection of Biden could turn out to be good news for a governor who many believe wants to return to
“I love my job here. Secretary of state is something that is a very important position, but I’m not looking beyond winning
More praise
Meanwhile, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., was one of several other Democrats who released statements of support for Obama’s pick.
“Joe Biden is an excellent choice. He has a wealth of experience in foreign policy that will serve the administration well,” Bingaman said. “He is well respected by both Democrats and Republicans that have served with him in the Congress.”
Rep. Tom Udall once worked in Biden’s Senate office and called him “a dedicated public servant who will work for change and bring our party and this country together.”
“This is a ticket that will put the interests of the country before the special interests and that will fight for the middle class at home and restore
Lt. Gov. Diane Denish called Biden “a great addition to the Democratic ticket.”
“As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has stared down dictators. He is recognized as one of the nation’s leading authorities on foreign policy. He is a perfect fit to help bring change to this country,” she said.
State House Speaker Ben Lujan, D-Nambé, and Rep. Joni Gutierrez, D-Mesilla, joined in the chorus in statements released by the Obama campaign.
“Sen. Biden is a champion of working families and middle-class values. He is a man who understands
Gutierrez added, “Sen. Biden has devoted his career to serving those who protect and serve our communities. He has fought hard for our first responders, like the firefighters from south valley, Mesilla and across the state.”
“Law and order, community service and a willingness to sacrifice for others are values that resonate within the New Mexico community,” she said. “These are the values that Sen. Biden has brought to the U.S. Senate and he will bring to the administration as vice president.”
Republican reaction
Meanwhile, Republicans spent the day pouncing by highlighting Biden’s comments when he was a presidential candidate in which he said Obama lacked the experience to lead the nation.
The campaign of Obama’s GOP opponent, John McCain, quickly unveiled this TV ad quoting Biden’s own words:
U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson participated in a hastily called conference call today to discuss Obama’s selection of Biden, but I wasn’t able to participate. If I get something on it later, I’ll add it to this posting.
The state GOP was also quick to take a shot at Richardson, putting out a news release specifically to bash him for being passed up by Obama.
“Despite the hype, New Mexico’s non-stop candidate for higher office, Bill Richardson, received a vote of ‘no confidence’ today when he was passed over for the VP pick after being vetted,” Shira Rawlinson, communications director for the state GOP, said in the release. “In 2004, Richardson pledged to deliver our state to John Kerry, but failed miserably. New Mexico is a Western swing state with a history of electing candidates who best represent our values. John Kerry was not that candidate in 2004, and Barack Obama, with his liberal, big-city Chicago values, will not be that candidate in 2008. New Mexico is McCain country and will remain that way regardless of Obama’s choice for VP.”