SANTA FE — Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack's loss could be Gov. Bill Richardson's gain.

Richardson should do what he can to scoop up any of the staffers Vilsack's now-defunct campaign is leaving behind, says University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato.

"Richardson has targeted Nevada and New Hampshire among the first four states, but he needs to make at least a decent showing in Iowa, too. One or more key staffers could help Richardson make up some ground in Iowa," Sabato said.

So far, Richardson's campaign has hired people in the Hawkeye state, but would say little else about its Iowa hires.

Richardson has also hired two people in South Carolina, another key early voting state.

Richardson on Friday announced the latest hires in the Palmetto State, where Democrats will hold their primary on Jan. 29.

Lachlan McIntosh, who will head up the statewide efforts for the governor in South Carolina, met Richardson about two years ago at a Democratic dinner party.

He knew then that he liked Richardson.

"Of all the candidates, there's no question he's got the best experience to be president. . . . He's done it all," said McIntosh.

Richardson won't be the frontrunner in the state, in part because former Sen. John Edwards is from the state next door.

Edwards in the last presidential race won the Democratic primary; Bush won in the general election.

"This campaign is going to take a lot of twists and turns, but I feel good about where he's going to be in 11 months," McIntosh said. "Other candidates have gotten a lot of attention, but that doesn't mean much."

McIntosh, 33, most recently worked as the South Carolina Democratic Party's executive director. He also has worked as a field coordinator director for the Edwards for President campaign.

Richardson also hired Crawford Cook to be the campaign's senior adviser in South Carolina. According to a news release, Cook for more than 15 years has served as an adviser to Richardson.

"I am thrilled to have Lachlan and Crawford joining my team," Richardson said in a statement. "Crawford Cook is one of my oldest friends and my closest political advisers. I am honored and proud to have two of the most respected campaign veterans in South Carolina politics on board, building support throughout South Carolina for my campaign."

Richardson already has four staffers in Nevada, five in Colorado, and a few in New Hampshire.