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But he's tall in the saddle

Hispanic magazine's April issue features a four-page story on Bill Richardson that, somewhat surprisingly, paints a disappointing view of his chances. It's a money and name-recognition thing, writes Kirk Nielsen, who chose to open and close his piece with what he considers one of Richardson's strongest assets: his height.

"He's much, much taller than John Edwards," Nielsen quotes one of his sources as saying. "Have we ever had a short president?"

Money grubbin'

Richardson's putting on the chile heat for more money before Saturday's first-quarter contribution deadline. At his campaign Web site, www.richardsonforpresident.com, you can add your pennies to his hopes of pumping another $500,000 into his coffers.

But the chile pepper graphic Richardson is using as a fund-raising thermometer doesn't sit so well with everyone.

Blogger Brendan Nyhan took offense at the use of a chile, calling it a play on Richardson's Hispanic roots: "As a friend asked, isn't there something vaguely offensive about using a cultural stereotype to raise cash? It's not far from a sombrero."

Actually, Brendan, it's more a symbol of New Mexico than Hispanic-ness. Apparently you're unaware that we not only have an official state question, but an official state answer.

Q: Red or green?

A: Christmas!

Watch out, second quarter

The Associated Press wrote about how important the first-quarter money chase is, quoting former Federal Election Commission Chairman Michael Toner: "Money in the off year has never been more important than in this presidential cycle."

Richardson, the story said, has done some fund-raising, though Democrats close to his campaign say he is hoping to do better in the second quarter. "The real benchmark: $30 million by the end of March 31, and the second one is $15 million to $20 million," Toner said. "If a candidate is under $10 million (on Saturday), it will be very difficult to continue competing."

We're not saying

While most of the presidential campaigns are expected to release their contribution figures after Saturday's cutoff, don't expect anything from Richardson's camp.

Spokesman Pahl Shipley said they're waiting until the April 15 federal reporting deadline to reveal how full the old war chest has gotten in recent weeks.

How indelicate is that?

Owee! Here's how Time magazine's Karen Tumulty in the "Swampland" blog portrayed Richardson's appearance at a health care forum in Las Vegas during the weekend: "Richardson: Jolly Latino Elf who wants all the children to have health care. Coolest moment - no doubt whatsoever that mental health coverage should have parity with all other health coverage. Being a dark horse candidate gives one sympathy with the crazy people, I think."