Richardson Touts Record During DNC Meeting

ABC News’ Sarah Amos reports:  As the first candidate to deliver morning remarks at the fall DNC meeting in Virginia, Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M, used the time to reinforce his gubernatorial record talking about the New Mexico’s job growth, clean energy policies and economy. 

"I believe it comes down to experience and judgment and a track record of getting things done, and I will put my record up against anyone’s,"  Richardson told the crowd.  Richardson used each issue as an opportunity to give hard examples of what he has done as Governor. 

"I’m proud to be the only Democrat in this race with a record of creating jobs and turning an economy around. I know how to do this. I know how to do this because I’ve already done it. What I’ve done in my state would be my blueprint for the country. And proving we know how to create jobs is how we win this country," said Richardson when talking about tax-cuts and job growth.

Richardson also focused on his plan for a full-withdrawal of troops from Iraq as soon as possible.

"As long as we have troops in Iraq, it’s going to be impossible to achieve a diplomatic solution that leads to peace and reconciliation.  This is the hard reality. You can’t say you will end the war in Iraq if you’re leaving thousands of troops behind or if you won’t even commit to removing them by 2013. The Iraqis sure won’t think the war is over," Richardson added, alluding to some of the other candidate’s plans.   

Known for his one-liners, Richardson warmed up the crowd by playing off the lack of time he has gotten at some of the previous debates.   

"You know, when we were invited to speak here at the last winter meeting, we were told, Governor Dean, we had seven minutes. Seven minutes to tell you everything we do as president. This time, I was told I’d have 10 minutes. Of course, Wolf Blitzer tells me that before every debate," joked Richardson.