Guv praises Russert upon learning of his death

Upon learning today of the death of Meet the Press host Tim Russert, Gov. Bill Richardson praised him as a journalist who “set the standard for tough but fair political coverage.”

Russert collapsed today while at work and was later pronounced dead. He was 58. You can read about his death from NBC News by clicking here.

Russert, the host of the most widely viewed Sunday news program, was a tough questioner, and, as NBC reported, “A ‘Meet the Press’ grilling was often considered an essential proving ground in the career of any national politician.” Time Magazine named Russert one of the 100 most influential people in the world this year.

Richardson, as a presidential candidate, appeared for his hour-long grilling on Russert’s show in May 2007. Russert asked him tough questions about past controversies and one that was earning the governor national headlines at the time of the interview: the claim by the mother of a soldier who was killed in Iraq that Richardson was lying about her encounter with him for political gain.

Today, Richardson said in the statement that Russert’s “contribution to the journalism profession cannot be overstated. Because of him, Meet the Press is the dominant Sunday talk show and a must-do for politicians. He leaves big shoes to fill.”

“On-camera he could be tough, but off-camera you saw his great sense of humor and how much he cared about people, especially his family,” Richardson said. “It’s a great loss.”