Bill Richardson for President: Southern California Action Team

Richardson Re-enforcing Faith in Obama

2008-04-16T15:53:00.001-07:00

Governor Bill Richardson is re-enforcing faith in Obama for those who supported the Gov and then joined the Obama movement. Speaking for myself, when many around me (especially Latinos) went to Clinton, I joined the Obama team because of the hope, opportunity and belief in change. Although, there has been times where my faith has been challenged, Richardson helps us keep faith in the Obama camp. I need to hear more from Governor Richardson to hold us together with Obama. Stay visible and communicate Gov.

Richardsonscat's Running for Obama National Delegates

2008-04-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

Gregory DeRossi of Los Angeles is running in the 31st Congressional District and Gary Mendez of Santa Fe Springs is running in the 38th Congressional District.

"We believe in Bill and Obama. They are both doing what's good for America and we want to be at the Convention to support Obama for President of the United States".

Greg's facebook
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10334932733&ref=mf

Stand Firm Bill!! Dont let the Clintons Intimidate You

2008-04-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

The Clintons and their operatives are desperate. Good for Bill standing with Obama and defending against the desperate Clinton machine. Bill Richardson is doing whats right for the country. We will continue to support and stand with Bill and Obama.

See you at convention.

The Final Analysis

2008-01-11T11:36:00.000-08:00

From La Cucaracha

Response to Letter

2008-01-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

No Governor, the pleasure and privilege was mine.

Letter from Bill Richardson

2008-01-10T12:50:00.001-08:00

Dear Gary,

It is with great pride, understanding and acceptance that I am ending my campaign for President of the United States. It was my hope that all of you would first hear this news from me and not a news organization. But unfortunately, as with too many things in our world today, it's the ending of something that garners the most intense interest and speculation.

I knew from the beginning that this would be an uphill climb. When I entered the campaign, it was clear that we, as Democrats, had the most talented field of candidates in my lifetime running to change the direction of our country. And in the end, one of them will.

Despite overwhelming financial and political odds, I am proud of the campaign we waged and the influence we had on the issues that matter most to the future of this country.

A year ago, we were the only major campaign calling for the removal of all of our troops within a year's time from Iraq. We were the only campaign calling for a complete reform of education in this country, including the scrapping of No Child Left Behind. And we were the campaign with the most aggressive clean energy plan and the most ambitious standards for reducing global warming.

Now, all of the remaining candidates are coming to our point of view. I am confident that the next President of the United States will implement much of what we've been urging for the last twelve months, and our nation and world will be the better for it.

There are so many of you who gave so much to this campaign. For that, I will be forever grateful. Running for president has been, at times, humbling and at other times, exhilarating. I have grown and learned a great deal from the experience, and I am a better person for it.

Also, because of your close friendship and support throughout the ups and downs of what is a very grueling and demanding process, I have never felt alone.

Running for president brings out the best in everyone who graces the stage, and I have learned much from the other candidates running. They have all brought great talents and abilities to the campaign.

Senator Biden's passion and intellect are remarkable.

Senator Dodd is the epitome of selfless dedication to public service and the Democratic Party.

Senator Edwards is a singular voice for the most downtrodden and forgotten among us.

Senator Obama is a bright light of hope and optimism at a time of great national unease, yet he is also grounded in thoughtful wisdom beyond his years.

Senator Clinton's poise in the face of adversity is matched only by her lifetime of achievement and deep understanding of the challenges we face.

Representative Kucinich is a man of great decency and dedication who will faithfully soldier on no matter how great the odds.

And all of us in the Democratic Party owe Senator Mike Gravel our appreciation for his leadership during the national turmoil of Vietnam.

I am honored to have shared the stage with each of these Democrats. And I am enormously grateful to all of my supporters who chose to stand with me despite so many other candidates of accomplishment and potential.

Now that my time in this national campaign has come to an end, I would urge those who supported my candidacy to take a long and thoughtful look at the remaining Democrats. They are all strong contenders who each, in their own way, would bring desperately needed change to our country. All I ask is that you make your own independent choice with the same care and dedication to this country that you honored me with during this campaign. At this time, I will not endorse any candidate.

Now I am returning to a job that I love, serving a state that I cherish and doing the work of the people I was elected to serve. As I have always said, I am the luckiest man I know. I am married to my high school sweetheart. I live in a place called the Land of Enchantment. I have the best job in the world. And I just got to run for president of the United States.

It doesn't get any better than that.

With my deepest appreciation for all that you have done,

Bill

Governor Bill Richardson
The Governor's Mansion
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Richardson Drops Out

2008-01-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

It's a bit sad but it was always a possibility.

It's been a great effort and we are proud of Richardson. Our love of the Guv will continue and we hope that he is seriously considered for Vice President or Secretary of State. Our country deserves the like of Richardson. There is no one as experienced and qualified as Bill Richardson among the presidential field. We will always be here for you and ready should you call upon us. Anytime and anyplace.

Gary Mendez

Conflicting Reports: Campaign says he's still in!!

2008-01-09T17:48:00.000-08:00

He's still in and that's what Im following until the man himself speaks. I strongly believe that Bill should stay in the Game till Super Tuesday. Why? Anything can happen and there are good strategic reasons for sticking around and getting something out of it and being a part of "change".

abc-
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's campaign refused to publicly confirm or deny reports that he plans to announce his departure from the race for the Democratic presidential nomination

AP NewsBreak: Richardson Ends Bid

2008-01-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

AP NewsBreak: Richardson Ends Bid
By NEDRA PICKLER – 51 minutes ago

MERRIMACK, N.H. (AP) — New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson ended his campaign for the presidency Wednesday after twin fourth-place finishes that showed his impressive credentials could not compete with his rivals' star power.

Richardson planned to announce the decision Thursday, according to two people close to the governor with knowledge of the decision. They spoke on a condition of anonymity in advance of the governor's announcement.

The Richardson campaign would not comment on the governor's decision, reached after a meeting with his top advisers Wednesday in New Mexico.

Richardson had one of the most wide-ranging resumes of any candidate ever to run for the presidency, bringing experience from his time in Congress, President Clinton's Cabinet, in the New Mexico statehouse as well as his unique role as a freelance diplomat. As a Hispanic, he added to the unprecedented diversity in the Democratic field that also included a black and a woman.

But Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama dominated the spotlight in the campaign, and Richardson was never able to become a top-tier contender. He accused his rivals of failing to commit to bring troops home from Iraq soon enough.

He portrayed his campaign as a job application for president, and ran clever ads that showed a bored interviewer unimpressed with his dazzling resume. The commercials helped fuel his move to double-digit support in some early state polls, and advisers argued he was poised to move past former vice presidential nominee John Edwards for the role of third-place challenger.

But he was not able to build the momentum and came in a distant fourth place in Iowa and New Hampshire. Richardson didn't get quite 5 percent in the New Hampshire primary Tuesday and came in with just 2 percent in the Iowa caucus last week.

Richardson was born 60 years ago in Pasadena, Calif., after his American father sent his Mexican mother there to give birth and erase any doubts that his son would be a U.S. citizen. His father was an international banker from Boston, and Richardson spent his childhood in Mexico City before being sent to boarding school in Massachusetts, where he was a standout baseball player.

After graduating from Tufts University in 1971 with a master's degree in international affairs, Richardson worked first as a congressional aide and then for the State Department. He was a staffer for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee when he decided to leave Washington in 1978 to launch a political career.

Richardson settled in New Mexico partly because of the state's large Hispanic population, and he won election to the House. Richardson is a master negotiator, and put his diplomatic skills to work to rescue Americans held hostage abroad. He earned a reputation for a mix of patience, toughness and cultural sensitivity that served him well on mercy missions from North Korea to Cuba to Sudan.

President Clinton recruited Richardson to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, then secretary of Energy two years later.

He was easily elected to two terms as governor but will be forced from office by term limits in 2010. His closest advisers hope that even if his presidential campaign didn't bring him many votes, it built his reputation so that he'll one day be able to add even more to his resume.

Home Sweet Home

2008-01-08T14:12:00.000-08:00

Well, it was a great experience participating in the Iowa Caucuses for Governor Bill Richardson. The students learned a great deal from this experience which made the whole trip worth while. Bumps on the road can not be avoided at times; it's just part of a journey. We are true believers in the Guv and will continue to support him.

We are solidifying plans to open up a Los Angeles Office for Governor Richardson very soon.

Stay tuned

KPFK Radio - The Pocho Hour of Power - Our Gang Interviewed

2008-01-04T22:53:00.000-08:00

Preparing to Depart Iowa

2008-01-04T21:54:00.001-08:00

Well, we finally have solidified our exit plans out of Iowa. It was very difficult to get our "friends" to give us a ride to the train station in Ottumwa. At first the word from several people was "you're on your own" and "thanks for all your hard work, we appreciate it". The intensity of our request heightened through the night. At some point people from New Mexico laughed at our situation which made us very sadly disappointed. But what do you do, thats "politics", right?

We wish to thank Chet Guinn who called David Rogers, and ...for making calls to the senior level staffers who then got the people who told us "we are on our own" to really start helping us.

If this were in my town, Los Angeles, and on any campaign I was affiliated with or managing, you bet I would help my volunteers. In fact, there has been many times on local, state, state-wide and congressional campaigns where my volunteers needed help and we treated them like family. Volunteers, staff and the candidate are always family.

We chalked it up as, perhaps, a mid western thing.

We will have plenty of time on the train to think about all this. :)

Latino Outreach for Iowa Caucuses by Erika Aguilar

2008-01-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

During this campaign I did canvassing and phone banking. The majority of the time I talked to Latinos on the phone. The majority of Latinos don’t know about the caucusing process in Iowa. They were also surprised that Richardson was a Latino himself. One of the main issues that they always brought up was the health care benefit, and the war in Iraq. I’m not going to say that all my experiences with the people I talked to were good, I had some rude people and I also had some nice people. I think it all depends on what time you call lol.

Latinos in Iowa have not really realized the power and influence they could have in Iowa and in affecting the presidential primary. They have enough influence here to sway campaigns but have yet to unify. Maybe they won’t realize or choose to exercise this great power.

Durante esta campana me toco caminar puerta a puerta y hacer llamadas a Latinos. La majoria de la gente no save el proceso de caucusing en Iowa. Tambien se sorprendieron al escuchar que Richardson es Latino. Una de las cosas que mencionaban al hablar era el plan de salud, y la guerra en Iraq. No voy a decir que todas mis experiencias fueron buenas, la gente era buena pero habeces no tan buenas haha.

Latinos en Iowa no comprender la magnitud de que ellos tienen el poder y la influencia ellos tienen aqui en Iowa que puede afectar a los primary. Ellos tienen la influencia para cambiar las campanas pero tienen que unirse. Ellos tienen que entender o escojer como usar el poder que ellos tienen aqui en Iowa.

-Erika Aguilar

La Opinion Newspaper Covers Erika & Noemi

2008-01-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

Caucus Day

2008-01-03T22:30:00.001-08:00

The Sun Rises in America... or Iowa

2008-01-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

The sun rises in Iowa this morning with the entire nation eagerly watching who Iowans will support. Late last night we did a midnight lit drop to ensure our voters are aware of their caucus locations, we lucked out and were assigned a more upscale neighborhood, this was a long way from the hoods of Iowa we have begun to know so well after walking day after day through where streets are not properly cleared of snow, and the now infamous chase down by a crackhead. Today we go into overdrive and mobilize Richardson support to their caucus locations now it's on to victory!

- Greg & Cesar

CNN Live - Erika, Greg & Cesar Next to Bill !!!!!

2008-01-02T22:33:00.000-08:00

INTERMISSION WITH YANN TIERSEN - Sur le fil & Prokofiëv

2008-01-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

DANCE OF THE KNIGHTS
By Prokofiëv from Romeo and Juliette

Noemi's Road Runner Report

2008-01-01T19:17:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Today was a very good way to start my year. I had many good experiences out of this Campaign (good and bad). We gave everything we had hopefully it pays off on Thursday! It was an awesome experience to have a chance to get to meet Bill Richardson. It was freezing today. I went outside canvassing door to door without gloves and my hands literally froze. It hurt so bad I couldn't help it so I cried. It was a really bad pain. Besides that I've been having lots of fun here.

-Noemi

Happy New Year! Des Moines style with the Gov.

2008-01-01T01:09:00.000-08:00

We brought in the New Year with the Governor and hundreds of our new friends on the campaign. They are all very good, dedicated, and hard working people. We are honored to have spent our New Years away from home (1600 miles away in the freezing cold) to be part of this great experience with an awesome candidate we truly and sincerly believe in. Have a great New Year!

Last Four Days

2007-12-30T21:32:00.001-08:00

It’s now four days till the Caucus. Cesar "the Machine", Greg, and I canvassed in the snow while the girls’ phone banked. Erika and Noemi are now seasoned campaigners and doing a great job. We are becoming accustomed to the cold weather here in Des Moines. However, if we don’t keep moving while canvassing and talking our speech becomes slurred.

Richardson is doing very well with “smart” caucus goers. Iowan’s know full well the power they posses in deciding the viability of candidates and hold their decision close to vest. They see Richardson as a candidate with experienced credentials and unafraid to be decisive as president.

Watch closely how this turns out.

SOS: Stuck in the Snow While Night Canvassing

2007-12-29T21:46:00.000-08:00

While canvassing at night we got stuck in the snow and unable to move. We were in pitch darkness and very cold: freezing. After attempting everything to get out, it became very clear and reality set in. We had to discuss rationing two bottles of water, a candy bar and the unthinkable: cannibalism.

However, our discussion was shattered by a disturbing noise outside our van as we huddled for warmth. It was a distinctive noise only found in these parts.

We all turned fast toward the window. It was a lady who lived next door 50 feet from our van who asked if we needed her to call a tow truck.

It was a typical experience for Iowans to be stuck but we were unprepared.

We got towed out and the tow truck got stuck himself. We made it back to HQ fine and never discussed the details of our ordeal until now.

Team Members Make Des Moines Register - Photos

2007-12-29T01:48:00.000-08:00

Cesar, Erika, Noemi, and Greg at Press Conference on Pakistan Crisis

Press Confrence on Pakistan Crisis - Benazir Bhutto

2007-12-28T23:08:00.000-08:00

Noemi's Roadrunner Report

2007-12-27T16:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone well yeah I'm FREEZING to death... (It’s cold) All of this has been a great experience for me. I’m not use to this COLD weather but I'm proud to walk the snowy streets to support Bill Richardson. I’ve been having lots of fun. I love it here. The state capital is beautiful. Gary has been working really hard and so has everybody else and I thank them all for their hard work.

-Noemi, Student, Arroyo High School.

Team Funds Running Out! Donate Today.

2007-12-27T13:56:00.000-08:00

Team Funds Running Out! Donate Today.

We need to raise money to pay for gas, food and lodging for our trip home after Caucus Day, January 3rd, 2008.

We are looking for sponsors at:

$10-100
$200-300
$500-1000

PAYPAL is preferred. Paypal account is : urbanstrategiesw@aol.com

Thank you for your support.

Our Local Paper Back Home Covers Us

2007-12-27T13:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_7817504

It's Official! Our First Iowa Precincts Walk

2007-12-27T04:56:00.001-08:00

Today was the first day (post Christmas) of Full Campaign mode once again. Everything was nearly on hold understandably to observe the Christmas holiday, It was not a surprise to me that it was snowing (lightly snowing) but snowing none the less, go figure Snow on the first day of canvassing in Iowa. Our spirits are high even as temperatures are low, as we continue to meet & greet with the voters across Polk County we have been getting an awe inspiring amount of support. Also I would like to give a special thanks to Ron & Katie Vasquez who are both incredible local Richardson supporters here in Polk County, who invited myself and Erica in for a Hot cup of Cocoa & fresh baked cookies after they noticed us canvassing their street during a light snowfall, They are some of the nicest people you could meet, They give the midwest a good name and we're grateful for their kind gesture during this campaign season! Now it's on to day two of organizing and strategizing.

also check out local coverage of our trip

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_7817181

Des Moines Register Write up on Richardson

2007-12-27T00:44:00.000-08:00

Whittier Daily News Article on Our Group 12/26/07

2007-12-26T23:15:00.000-08:00

Iowa caucuses lure area activists
By Tracy Garcia, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 12/26/2007 11:05:19 PM PST

They missed their family Christmas celebrations and they'll be ringing in the New Year thousands of miles away from their loved ones, withstanding below-freezing temperatures while trekking from one house to another to talk about the nation's next leader.

But participating in the Iowa caucuses on behalf of Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson will be worth the sacrifice, says Rio Hondo College trustee Gary Mendez.

Mendez arrived in Des Moines this week with about a dozen political activists from the Whittier, El Monte and Pasadena areas.

The group includes retirees and students from Rio Hondo, Pasadena City College and East Los Angeles College, as well as Arroyo High School freshman Neomi Carrillo, 15, who is accompanying her sister, Erika Aguilar, 26, of El Monte.

"I wanted to experience something new," Carrillo said, while her older sister characterized it as a "once-in-a-lifetime experience."

"This is interesting - it's interesting to learn about this process," Aguilar said. "It's a lot better than just sitting at home and watching it on TV."

The Iowa caucuses, to take place Jan. 3, are the way political party members select county convention delegates, who each support one presidential nominee.

For Republicans, those attending simply vote, by a show of hands or ballots, on their delegates.

But Democrats divide into "preference groups" according to the presidential candidate they support,

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and the caucus chairman decides how many delegates each group can elect. Ultimately, the Democratic presidential candidate with the most delegates at the county conventions is considered the "winner" of Iowa.
The Iowa caucus gets a national spotlight because many believe it's a good indication of which candidate will eventually get the presidential nomination of their party at the national convention.

"You can't get this in California," said Mendez, 38, of Santa Fe Springs. "The primary caucuses are a fascinating event in the democratic process, and the Iowa caucus is the first and one of the most important primaries."

Mendez, Carrillo, Aguilar, Vietnam veteran Ruben Treviso, 61, of Alhambra, Rio Hondo student Ramon Quintero - the group's driver - and East Los Angeles College student Cesar James volunteered Saturday at a toy giveaway in South Whittier before climbing into a white van to pick up the rest of the group for the trip.

Others in the group include senior citizens Erna and Oscar Esparza of Montebello and Pasadena City College student Greg DeRossi.

"I've been active locally on campaigns, but to be on a presidential campaign is awesome," DeRossi said.

Mendez said he organized the group after a call by Richardson's campaign in Iowa.

"I was surprised to find that there is a significant Latino community there," Mendez said. "There are 26,000 Latinos in Iowa, and many of them are Spanish speakers.

"So there was a huge rush for Spanish speakers to be part of the effort to organize, recruit and get Latinos out to the caucuses on Jan. 3," he said.

The group is due to return next week, but is chronicling the trip on a blog at http://richardsonscat.blogspot.com.

"It's going to be an exciting ride in the snow," said Quintero, 30.

tracy.garcia@sgvn.com

(562) 698-0955, Ext. 3051

Des Moines: Arrived at Richardson HQ

2007-12-24T22:56:00.000-08:00

We made it to the Polk County HQ for Richardson in Des Moines where we were warmly welcomed by Steven Amos and staff. Soon after becoming acquainted we went to work cleaning a filled storage room and around the office for over two hours. We needed the exercise and graciously welcomed the work. There is no job too large nor too small on campaigns. lol

Steve showed us to our large and spacious accommodations for the next 10 days.

We are celebrating a safe trip and a white Merry Xmas.

Update: In Kansas City Missouri

2007-12-24T13:29:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Kansas City Missouri at about 3:00 am after traveling through Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Kansas. Dam its cold! 20 to 30 degrees!

We drove around town impressed by the size, sophistication, and grandeur.

After touring for a couple of hours we found a Motel out of town and slept till 12:00 noon.

Thereafter, we went to the famous Gates BBQ for a fine and tasty lunch. Two of us got the "Boner", the four boned rib special. They named it, we didn’t. We felt embarrassed when the cashier yelled out with gusto "two boners, please!"

Here at Starbucks.
Ok, now we are headed to Des Moines.

Oklahoma Incident

2007-12-24T13:00:00.000-08:00

While driving through Oklahoma, we (Driver Ramon aka “El Capitan”) were pulled over by an Oklahoma State Trooper (State Trooper Will). This is the story from various perspectives 1. Ramon (El Capitan) and 2. A passenger. State Trooper Will could not be reached for comment.

Ramon – El Capitan’s Perspective:

As I was driving through the Oklahoma Panhandle and enjoying the country side view. I was pull over by State Trooper Will. I did not know why I was being pull over, but I assumed it was a routine stop for the California plates. Trooper Will asked me to show him my license and then told me that I was driving over the speed limit. I told him that I was going below the speed limit not over, but he responded by asking me to walk over to his patrol car. While in side the patrol car he asked me about the number of passengers in the van and if they had identification. I told him that yes all of the passengers had their Identifications and that we were all student volunteers for the Richardson Presidential campaign in Iowa (Road Runners). He then went to check on the passengers and soon came back to ask me who is the big guy in the back of the van, and I told him he is the person (Gary) that will help turn around this country. He did not like my response and he told me that I was going to get a ticket for speeding. Finally, I told Trooper Will that I can prove that I was not driving over the speed limit by showing him the last posted speed sign on the highway. He then drove back to the last speed sign that showed 65 mph speed limit. Trooper Will then tied to convince me that he was a good person, not one that profiles Latinos for undocumented persons and he told me that there was another sign about one mile back that read 45 mph, Oklahoma Trooper Will finally decided to only give me a "warning" because he said it was the day before Christmas eve. He concluded that he was just trying to do his job (based on his lack of knowledge and the poor on the job training he must have received lol) who could blame the guy?Thats my story and I'm sticking to it. - Ramon Quintero, aka "El Capitan"

Itinerary: to Iowa

2007-12-21T23:34:00.000-08:00

(Updated 12/21/07)

Itinerary:

Departing LA: Saturday, December 22, 2007
8:00 – 9:00 am Picking up Team Members Or Meet at Park
9:30 – 11:00 am - (S. Whittier) Mayberry Park Pancake Breakfast &
Toy Giveaway (optional)
12:30-1:30 p.m. – Press Conference - El Adobe Restaurant- Melrose
2:00 pm On the Road to Iowa.

Driving Route
Day 1 605 N to 10 east
10 east to 15 north
15 north to 40 east
40 east thru Arizona, New Mexico (Night in Albuquerque)
Day 2 40 east thru N. Texas to Oklahoma
40 east to 35 north to Des Moines, Iowa

Arriving in Des Moines, Iowa: Monday, December 24, 2007

Report to Polk County Office
Richardson for President
601 SW 9th St., Suite K
Des Moines, IA 50309
Host resident home to be given upon arrival

Departing Iowa to LA: Friday, January 4, 2008
Morning -On the Road to LA
Same route as above

Arriving in LA: Sunday, January 6, 2008

Team Meeting - Wed., Dec. 19 7:00 pm - Whittier

2007-12-17T16:50:00.000-08:00

Finalizing the volunteer members in our Team.
Small, but good group dedicated to working hard to get Richardson past the 15% threshold and on his way up.

What: Orientation Meeting for Team
When: Wed, Dec. 19, 7:00 pm.
Where: Whittier- Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf7201 Greenleaf Ave
Whittier, CA 90602(562) 696-8452

We will go over trip details like transpo, lodging, caucus campaigning, and weather.Gary