Only the Bushes are more low rent than the Clintons.
Why Gov. Bill Richardson didn’t endorse Clinton
The New Mexico governor says he was dismayed by pressure from the Clinton camp, and impressed by Obama’s optimism. Besides, ‘you don’t transfer loyalty to a dynasty.’
By Mark Z. Barabak
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
April 12, 2008
SANTA FE, N.M. — Before he endorsed Barack Obama, before he drew the wrath of the Clintons and was likened to Judas, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson nearly endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton for president.
But Richardson hesitated, and as the Democratic campaign turned ugly, he grew angry.
There was that “3 a.m.” TV ad, in which Clinton questioned Obama’s personal mettle. “That upset me,” Richardson said.
There were some ham-fisted phone calls from Clinton backers, who questioned Richardson’s honor and suggested that the governor, who served in President Clinton’s Cabinet, owed Hillary Clinton his support. “That really ticked me off,” Richardson said.