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Candidate for governor

Name: Bill Richardson (i), Democrat

Age: 58

Campaign Web site address: www.billrichardson2006.com

Occupation: Governor

Family: Wife, Barbara.

Education: Bachelor of Arts in political science and French, Tufts University, 1970; master's in international affairs, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, 1971

Please list the experience you think would make you a good governor.

Being governor for the last three and half years has been an exceptionally fulfilling experience. Four years ago, I campaigned on a bold vision for Moving New Mexico forward and I'm proud to say that while we have accomplished much, we still have far to go. I'm encouraged by the progress we've made on education, crime, the economy, water and almost every other issue facing the state. Being governor for the last three and a half years has prepared me for the next term in ways that no other job could have and I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of New Mexico.

Have you ever been arrested or charged with a felony or misdemeanor? If yes, explain. No.

What's the best meal you can cook from scratch?

Late-night peanut butter and jelly sandwich while watching Sportscenter.

Last book you read.

"1776" By David McCullough

What was your biggest mistake in life and what lesson did you learn?

My biggest mistake was not telling my father I loved him before he died. I learned that you should never take family for granted.

Name your top issue if elected.

Education continues to be the most important issue facing our state. I have worked hard to set high standards, because failure is not an option. We've raised teacher salaries to their highest in 15 years, and tied these raises to accountability and results. We've removed junk from schools and implemented physical education programs because our kids need to be healthy in order to reach their potential. We are finally on the right track, but have much more to do. I look forward to continuing our work on education, including our plan to provide pre-kindergarten for all of New Mexico's 4-year-olds.

You have a $77 million plan to reduce the number of New Mexicans without health insurance. But given the increases in care costs, can the state afford that in the long run? How could the state better control those costs?

Our current health care system needs to be overhauled to provide health coverage for all New Mexicans and lessen the burden of uncompensated care, which across the state runs into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Taxpayers and those with insurance are already financing the cost of the uninsured and that's contributing greatly to the rapidly rising cost of health care through cost shifting. We're also making sure that we contain our losses, by cracking down on fraud. My Five Point Plan calls for the poorest of New Mexican adults to obtain Medicaid coverage. We've done a good job with children and pregnant women, but we must do more for our poorest adults.

The state cannot afford in the long run to not insure our citizens because the uninsured are utilizing emergency rooms at a much higher cost than if their health care needs would have been addressed before illnesses or injuries become catastrophic.

The time has come to increase Medicaid coverage for the poorest of New Mexicans while at the same time analyzing models that will provide a comprehensive solution. That process is under way now through the Health Coverage for New Mexicans Committee. I'm pleased that the legislative leadership joined me in calling for comprehensive solutions for all New Mexicans because I believe that health coverage is an economic as well as a social investment.

Should the state continue to give drivers licenses to non-U.S. citizens? Why or why not?

We have beefed up our regulations to require two forms of identification, such as a passport, to verify the identity of foreign nationals. We are also auditing MVD records to verify the identities of all foreign nationals who have received licenses in the past. This enables us to help keep track of illegal immigrants and encourage responsible behavior. This program has contributed to our efforts to protect all drivers by increasing the number of insured drivers. New Mexico went from 33 percent to 13 percent since I've been in office.

How long should New Mexico keep its National Guard troops on the U.S.-Mexico border? What are other solutions to prevent illegal immigration?

The vast majority of the troops currently serving bravely in Operation Jump Start are actually not from New Mexico, but from other states around the country. As the operation is a federal one, however, it is not within my jurisdiction as commander-in-chief of the State Guard to decide how long the forces should remain.

For his part, President Bush has said that the operation should take two years, and I would hope that it does not last longer than that.

I do have a four-point plan to help solve the problem of illegal immigration.

One, we need to upgrade border security by increasing the number of border agents. I requested more agents from Washington when I declared a state of emergency last year, but we're still waiting on the full number to arrive and to be trained.

Two, we need tougher enforcement on employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers.

Three, we have to work with Mexico to grow their economy and to get them to do more to halt the flow from their side.

And four, we need to create a long-term path to citizenship for those who are working hard, paying their taxes, and learning English; in short, for those who came here in pursuit of the American dream.

Will you take money for the campaign from people who do business with the state?

The vast majority of my contributors do not do business with the state. However, it is legal for anyone, including potential vendors and contractors, to contribute to New Mexico campaigns and some donors do business with state government. I proposed and the Legislature passed a law prohibiting contributions during the contracting process. The procurement process is governed by strict legal procedures, is open to the public and decisions are made in the best interests of New Mexico, never because of a contribution.

What other pledges will you make about your campaign, such as not attacking your opponent?

I pledge to run, as I have been already, on my record of accomplishments during the past four years, and on my detailed plans for continuing to move New Mexico forward during the next four years. But rest assured, I will point out the differences between my record and my vision for New Mexico and my opponent's lack of any ideas for improving the state. I will also respond when attacked by my opponent, who has publicly stated he wouldn't have time to present ideas but just attack mine.

The state has an increasing number of people in jail who for the most part, will one day be released. What's the right mix and affordable mix of locking people up, funding rehab programs and providing alternatives to prisons that don't endanger communities?

We have hundreds of additional inmates in our prisons because of our successful efforts to take repeat DWI offenders off of our streets and lock up sex offenders. While we have enacted some of the toughest anti-crime initiatives during my first four years, I recognize the need for treatment, especially for alcoholism and substance abuse that are underlying problems to larger public problems like drunk driving. I have pushed for funding that would require minimum jail time combined with mandatory treatment for first-time drunk drivers. I am also proposing $6.5 million next legislative session as part of a comprehensive plan to address the range of services, including an investment in detox treatment facilities and outpatient treatment services, to fight meth and treat meth addiction.

Would you sign legislation to allow marijuana to be used for medical purposes for qualified individuals? Should the state decriminalize marijuana or any other drug for recreational use?

I support a sensible, compassionate plan that makes medical marijuana available to patients suffering from life-threatening diseases. Such a plan must have proper safeguards and restrictions against abuse. I oppose any plan to decriminalize any drug that is currently illegal for recreational use. I also think it is irresponsible for any public official to publicly advocate decriminalization, because such actions send a terrible and contradictory message both to law enforcement and children who should be taught that illegal drugs are dangerous.

Do you have a concealed carry permit? Why or why not?

I took and passed all of the necessary coursework to qualify for a concealed carry permit. I chose to earn a permit as a symbolic gesture to show my support for the law, which I considered as a personal-safety issue, and signed in 2003. However, I do not carry a concealed weapon.

When should the state put a limit on the number of new water wells that can be drilled?

The state engineer has enacted regulations that enable him to declare Domestic Well Management Areas in those limited circumstances where there is no unappropriated water supply for new domestic wells. In those management areas, the engineer can limit the amount of water a domestic well can consume or can require the transfer of water rights to a new domestic well. These regulations do not limit the rights of existing domestic well owners. The state should limit number of consumption of new domestic wells only in those areas where new wells would impair the water supply of water rights holders and existing domestic well owners.

Will you serve out your term if re-elected?

I want to be re-elected as governor and continue the considerable progress we have made during the past four years. I have also been upfront with voters about the other potential possibilities and opportunities that may arise after the election. Voters should know that no matter what opportunity that arises, I will work hard to make a difference for New Mexico.