Capital City Democrats

Yesterday, Governor Richardson sent a letter to the State of Michigan, requesting his name be taken off the primary ballot. It was a move to emphasize his belief in the importance of the early decision states, Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and most important to us, Nevada.

Today, three other candidates followed suit and pulled out of the Michigan Primary. Read the story here.

Nevada was chosen as an early caucus state because of our diversity, union presence, and the new importance of the West as a battleground. Michigan decided to break the rules established by the Democratic National Committee and scheduled their primary ahead of the Nevada Caucus's original January date - threatening Nevada's new significance in the selection process. By pulling his name off the Michigan ballot, Richardson is helping to protect Nevada's new importance. It should be no surprise that Richardson was first to fight for Nevada; while other campaigns have moved staff out of the state, he hired more staff and he continues to make meaningful visits the state often.

This should lead Nevadans to question those candidates (Clinton, Dodd, Kucinich, and Gravel) who remain on the Michigan ballot. Do they really value the new importance of Nevada and the traditional importance of the other official early states?

Just a few days ago, Governor Richardson visited Boulder City in Southern Nevada. The LVRJ's Molly Ball wrote an article on the event. You can find it here. There is a quote from an individual who attended the event. Bonnie Blair talked about how her husband and she can finally agree: "My husband has always voted Republican and I've voted Democratic, so we always canceled each other's votes," Blair said. "But we've found a candidate we both can support."

Over at My Silver State, Bonnie and her husband Terry talk about why they both agree Governor Richardson is the best choice for America's future.

What America needs is a candidate who can heal the partisan wounds that the Bush administration has created. Nevada can help Governor Richardson fill that role at the upcoming caucus. If there is any good test of crossover appeal, Nevada should be it. If you believe it is time we have a presidential candidate Nevadans can agree on, go to Governor Richardson's Nevada website and sign up to volunteer.

The Richardson Campaign recently released this ad highlighting Richardson's ability to bring both Change and Experience.

It is the main argument for Richardson: He has the experience needed to heal the damage of the Bush years and the "outside Washington" perspective to bring about real change. Senators may talk; Governor's do.

The Richardson for President campaign has recently announced the launch of the Native Americans for Richardson grassroots organization. His long record of support for Native Americans includes a belief in promoting tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Included in his announcement of the group are the following prominent Nevadans:

Hon. Alvin Moyle (Fallon Paiute-Shoshone)
Chairman, Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe

Hon. Hugh Stevens (Te-moak of Western Shoshone)
Former Chair, Temoak Tribe of Western Shoshone

Hon. Brian Wallace (Washoe Tribe) Nevada
Former Chairman, Washoe Tribe

His experience as Congressman and Governor in New Mexico allowed him to develop a plan for positive change for our Native American population. To read that plan, click here