More Editorial

• Commentary: New Mexico Tech's plans have some Socorro residents up in arms
• Trib takes: Feb. 20
• Bouquets & brickbats: Feb. 20

MOST RECENT TRIB STORIES

• ABQTrib.com to remain available
  08:48 a.m., February 25, 2008
• Congressman is indicted
  08:37 a.m., February 23, 2008
• Series of attacks target Green Zone
  08:36 a.m., February 23, 2008
• Iran is defying U.N., agency says
  08:35 a.m., February 23, 2008
• Waterboarding approval probed
  08:34 a.m., February 23, 2008

TRIB IN THE BLOGOSPHERE*

• Ty Murray Invitational thrills fans in Albuquerque
• Is Rome Burning?
• Ominous Skies
• The Road to Invalidation
• Albuquerque company participates in “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”

*Note: The Tribune does not create and is not responsible for the blogosphere's headlines and stories. These links to blogs talking about ABQTrib.com are automatically generated. Use them at your own risk.

STORY TOOLS

• E-mail story
• Comments
• iPod friendly
• Printer friendly

SHARE THIS STORY [?]

It was a valiant effort — not unlike Don Quixote's windmill-jousting.

Gov. Bill Richardson's quest for the presidency — among the longest of long shots — ended Thursday as it had begun, in the relative calm and quiet of Santa Fe.

Subdued but still jousting, Richardson officially ended his presidential campaign for the Democratic nomination firmly in fourth place and without the fanfare of endorsing any of the three top candidates.

Presumably, that will come another day — and will generate more speculation about his chances for a vice presidential candidacy or the promise of a Cabinet post, such as secretary of state.

Richardson, whose problem from the beginning seemed to be getting traction, respect and recognition, often had difficulty prompting debate moderators or the press to ask him a question in a field crowded with excellent candidates.

Seeking to be the first Hispanic nominee to win the Oval Office, Richardson faced candidates who seek to be the first woman and first black president.

He is proud of his effort, and he should be. He represented his state honorably and with distinction.

He easily brought the most varied experience to a race that needed a nominee who knows how to bring about the change this country needs and apparently wants desperately.

Despite the harsh verdict of voters in Iowa and New Hampshire, where he managed to get but 2 percent and 4 percent of the votes, respectively, Richardson brought dignity, vigor, humor and unity to a process that necessarily divides and — sometimes — destroys.

Throughout the process, including front and center in the many arduous televised debates, Richardson repeatedly pleaded for what he again on Thursday called on the remaining Democratic candidates to do — stay positive, focus on the issues and reject personal or negative attacks.

It's a long way to the second Tuesday in November, and Richardson is among the astute politicians who realize that its not just about the Democratic nominee winning but about governing and drastically changing the divisive, regressive and futile direction in which the country is headed.

Undoubtedly, his courage and clear thinking on several issues forced the other Democratic candidates to at least reconsider their stands on some of the core issues — notably Iraq, energy, environment and health care.

Richardson was unique in his unequivocal stand to end the Iraq occupation as quickly as possible and pull U.S. troops out within six months. He advocated using the first tool of foreign policy — diplomacy — to bring the various Iraqi factions and regional players to the negotiating table to fashion what must be a political solution.

His stage in Santa Fe will be considerably smaller, but Richardson still has a grand opportunity — most immediately in the potential for a state universal health care plan — to show his party and the country how to govern.