Bill Richardson Biography
- Title:
- Former Governor of New Mexico (D)
- Position:
- Pro to the question "Should Marijuana Be a Medical Option?"
- Reasoning:
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“I support a sensible, compassionate plan that makes medical marijuana available to patients suffering from life-threatening diseases. Such a plan must have proper safeguards and restrictions against abuse. I oppose any plan to decriminalize any drug that is currently illegal for recreational use. I also think it is irresponsible for any public official to publicly advocate decriminalization, because such actions send a terrible and contradictory message both to law enforcement and children who should be taught that illegal drugs are dangerous.”
“Bill Richardson (i), Democrat,” The Albuquerque Tribune, 2006
- Involvement and Affiliations:
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- Governor of New Mexico (D), 2002-Jan. 2011
- Candidate for Office of US President (announced March 28, 2007)
- Chairman, Freedom House, 2001-2003
- Senior Managing Director, Kissinger McLarty, 2001-2002
- Secretary, US Department of Energy, 1998-2001
- US Ambassador to the United Nations,1997-1998
- Member, US House of Representatives (D-NM),1983-1997
- President, Richardson Trade Group, 1978-1982
- Executive Director, New Mexico Democratic Party, 1978
- Executive Director, Bernalillo County Democratic Committee , 1978
- Staff, US Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee, 1975-1978
- Staff, US Department of State, 1973-1975
- Staff, US House of Representatives, 1971-1972
- Former Boardmember, Natural Resource Defense Council
- Former Boardmember, United Way International.
- Former Chairman, Western Governors’ Association
- Former Chairman, Border Governors’ Conference
- Former Chairman, 2004 Democratic National Convention
- Former Teacher various colleges and universities
- Former Staffer for a local Democratic Party
- Education:
-
- MA, Tufts Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, 1971
- BA, Tufts University, 1970
- Other:
-
- Legal name: William Blaine Richardson, III
- Nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize (for negotiating the release of hostages, American servicemen and political prisoners in North Korea, Iraq, and Cuba)