Guv will host two Aug. 17 fundraisers for Clinton

Gov. Bill Richardson will host two fundraisers in New Mexico next month to help Hillary Clinton retire the debt from her unsuccessful presidential campaign.

Clinton will attend both fundraisers, which will be held in Santa Fe and Albuquerque on Aug. 17, according to a news release from Richardson. Both events are invitation-only. Clinton’s debt was $25.2 million at the end of June.

Many Clinton supporters were furious that Richardson, a former cabinet secretary and U.N. ambassador in the administration of Clinton’s husband, endorsed Barack Obama in the primary. Richardson’s endorsement had been heavily sought by both candidates, and Clinton supporter James Carville compared him to Judas after he sided with Obama.

Richardson and Clinton have apparently put that behind them.

“Governor Richardson’s efforts reinforce Senator Obama’s commitment to unifying the Democratic Party and assisting Senator Clinton’s effort to retire her campaign debt,” Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in the release from Richardson.

“Senator Clinton is grateful for Governor Richardson’s and Senator Obama’s efforts to assist with retiring her campaign debt, and she is looking forward to continuing to campaign for Senator Obama and help ensure victory for Democrats throughout the country this fall,” Clinton spokeswoman Kathleen Strand said in the release.

The Santa Fe fundraiser will be held at the office of Dave Contarino, who managed Richardson’s unsuccessful run for president and is a former chief of staff in his office. The Albuquerque fundraiser will be held at the home of New Mexico racetrack owner Paul Blanchard.

Richardson and Lt. Gov. Diane Denish will serve as hosts for the day, according to the news release.

A prior version of this posting incorrectly stated that the Santa Fe fundraiser was to be held at Contarino’s home.

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