The first Hispanic president? (beliefs, homosexuals, America, pray, marriage)

[GeneCosta]

Wow, the Democrats are sure throwing some fast balls out there.

http://cbs2.com/national/topstories_...021091337.html

"I am taking this step because we have to repair the damage that's been done to our country over the last six years," said Richardson, a former congressman, U.N. ambassador and Energy Department secretary.

"Our reputation in the world is diminished, our economy has languished, and civility and common decency in government has perished," he said in a statement.

Some points of his policies:

- Richardson proposed "tax cuts to promote growth and investment" and passed a broad personal income tax cut and won a statewide special election to transfer money from the state's Permanent Fund to meet current expenses and projects.
- Richardson made New Mexico the first state in the nation to provide $400,000 in life insurance coverage for New Mexico National Guardsmen.
- In 2003, he met with a delegation from North Korea at their request to discuss nuclear energy.
- Voted NO on giving federal aid only to schools allowing voluntary prayer.
- Believes the US should only use force when a US territory is attacked.
- Supports the death penalty
- Signed the New Mexico Hate Crimes Act, allowing for transgendered and homosexuals to be protected under hate crime laws. Also voiced support for gay unions with all federal and state benefits, but opposes gay marriage.

Looks like a moderate Democrat.

[jamaesi]

Don't like the support of the death penalty, nor the seperate but equal stance on gay rights. I'd vote for him over most republicans, but not over other democrats that believe in full equality.

[des]

To my knowledge though, NM hasn't executed anyone in awhile.(One execution since 1976, and two people on death row.) I think there is an unofficial moratorium going on. We just had the trial of a pretty heinous murder and to my knowledge the death penalty wasn't proposed.
I wish he would propose a moratorium as he has made many statements re: make sure they are really guilty, etc.

Yes, he's moderate, and pretty well liked. He won by 70%. He's not considered a "Hispanic governor". (Though how important ethnic groups are in NM is a little questionable.) He's pushed for some renewable energy measures; tax incentives for businesses; etc.

I'm not sure I would vote for him, but he is well qualified.

--des (New Mexican)

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by GeneCosta

Wow, the Democrats are sure throwing some fast balls out there.

http://cbs2.com/national/topstories_...021091337.html



Some points of his policies:

- Richardson proposed "tax cuts to promote growth and investment" and passed a broad personal income tax cut and won a statewide special election to transfer money from the state's Permanent Fund to meet current expenses and projects.
- Richardson made New Mexico the first state in the nation to provide $400,000 in life insurance coverage for New Mexico National Guardsmen.
- In 2003, he met with a delegation from North Korea at their request to discuss nuclear energy.
- Voted NO on giving federal aid only to schools allowing voluntary prayer.
- Believes the US should only use force when a US territory is attacked.
- Supports the death penalty
- Signed the New Mexico Hate Crimes Act, allowing for transgendered and homosexuals to be protected under hate crime laws. Also voiced support for gay unions with all federal and state benefits, but opposes gay marriage.

Looks like a moderate Democrat.

I'm fine with him opposing gay marriage... so long as he opposes straight marriage as well. Does he do that?

And I'll never be happy with someone who supports the death penalty.

Yeah, sounds like a moderate Dem. I'm not looking for a moderate. I do want someone who can unite us, but merely being middle of the road on issues is not uniting; it's a lack of leadership. All these people sound the same. At least with a true liberal or true conservative, you know that they believe in something. Is he truly pro-death penalty or does he just support it to appear "tough on crime"?

[Green Gaia]

Originally Posted by jamaesi

Don't like the support of the death penalty, nor the seperate but equal stance on gay rights. I'd vote for him over most republicans, but not over other democrats that believe in full equality.

That's mostly how I feel. I would also like to know more about his stance on environmental issues.

[Radio Frequency X]

I love Richardson. I hope he runs.

[des]

>I'm fine with him opposing gay marriage... so long as he opposes straight marriage as well. Does he do that?

Haha! You know what Chris Rock (I think) says about gay marriage. They have the right to be just as miserable as the rest of us. :-)

>And I'll never be happy with someone who supports the death penalty.

>Yeah, sounds like a moderate Dem. I'm not looking for a moderate. I do want someone who can unite us, but merely being middle of the road on issues is not uniting; it's a lack of leadership. All these people sound the same. At least with a true liberal or true conservative, you know that they believe in something. Is he truly pro-death penalty or does he just support it to appear "tough on crime"?[/quote]

I'm not sure, but I think that this is to be "tough on crime" , imo. I think the death penalty is sort of supported here. However, as I said he hasn't ever used or even called for the death penalty in specific cases. We aren't frying people like Texas does. But I'm not too happy with it-- I'd want him to be opposed or call for a true moratorium.

I do get the impression, with Richardson, that he has some viewpoints. IMO, he isn't like Hillary. As I think Hillary doesn't have any beliefs, she just goes with whatever flow. He has been very good in some areas like Native American affairs, education, and bringing business to NM. He also got a rapid transit system (though whether we have the population to support it, that's questionable), and various energy and environmental stuff. Environmentally, his record is good. He might be more of a populist than a moderate.

What was that link to candidates positions lilithu? I think you can tell whether someone is a liberal, moderate, populist, etc?

I'm not sure I'd vote for him, but I'd be for him over certain other candidates.

--des