Things Are Looking Up For Richardson

While the numbers for most of the Democratic presidential candidates are flattening out, Bill Richardson's numbers continue to climb. Richardson is now in double digits in both Iowa and New Hampshire.

Here is how The Nation puts it:

"If the pattern holds, the New Mexican will easily overtake Edwards and could begin closing in on Obama by the time New Hampshire holds its first in the nation primary.

It is worth noting that, according to the polls, Richardson is now viewed as more experienced than either Obama or Edwards by the New Hampshire voters. His numbers are dramatically up in other categories, as well, especially on measures of trust -- the New Mexican now leads Clinton in this category.

Richardson's move into double digits in New Hampshire parallels his under-covered rise in the first caucus state of Iowa. While much of the discussion about recent polls from that state has focused on the news that Obama has moved narrowly ahead of Clinton -- they are actually in a statistical tie -- some of the most interesting movement in the first-caucus state has been toward Richardson."

Many voters are becoming interested in the electibility of the candidates, and this is an area where Richardson can excel. He has the ability to appeal to a large range of voters, especially those independent voters so necessary in a national election.

Clinton has very high negatives and a recent poll shows her losing to several Republican candidates. Many, including myself, believe she is the candidate the Republicans would like to run against -- the one that gives them the best chance of winning.

Obama has yet to overcome the perception that he doesn't have enough political experience for the job, and Edwards has yet to catch fire with the voters (although he is very popular among party activists).

Richardson doesn't have these problems. He does not have the high negatives of some other candidates, and no one can question the depth and breadth of his experience in all aspects of government. Add this to the fact that his popularity is growing, and he has the ability to appeal to a wide range of voters, including non-Democrats, and he may actually be the most electable candidate the Democrats have.

There are still a lot of voters out there who have not yet made a choice -- nearly half have yet to choose and many others are not locked in to their candidate. Regardless of what you may read in the mainstream media, this primary election is far from over.

If you are one of those who have not yet decided on a candidate, give Bill Richardson a close look. He'd make a great president -- one that Democrats and all Americans could be proud of.