With the unusually early race for the presidency in 2008, it seems the media had created so-called "rock star" candidates in order to add to the hype. With the likes of Hillary Clinton, John McCain, Barack Obama, Rudy Giuliani, and John Edwards, it is easy to miss the second and third tier candidates that are also in the race for the White House in 2008. One should be wary of not only each candidate's stance on issues but also their experience in dealing with those issues. With most of these candidates, popular or not, holes can be found throughout each resume, with the exception of one.

Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico is a Democrat running for the presidency in 2008. Gov. Richardson's resume is so expansive that it would be very difficult to point to an issue he has not had experience with. As a 14-year congressman, Secretary of Energy, Ambassador to the United Nations, and now popular two-term Governor of New Mexico (A Republican stronghold), it is indisputable that he is in fact the most qualified candidate for the job. To back his experience, he is a moderate and can therefore appeal to a large majority of the country. Richardson won the New Mexico gubernatorial race with 68 percent of the vote for this very reason.

Richardson has many important domestic plans for the country if he becomes elected. Richardson is a rare breed in the Democratic Party. He is a man that is a strong supporter for the Second amendment. He believes gun ownership is a very important right that should not be taken away. He is also opposed to increasing taxes whenever possible. In his first year as governor, he created tax cuts that promoted significant growth and investment in the state. In New Mexico alone, over 80,000 new jobs have been created, and unemployment is the lowest it has been in 30 years. Personal income is rising at near-record levels. Teacher pay and standards have risen, and the overall quality of the schools has gone up accordingly. Richardson balanced the budget for five years in a row.

He also has a very good environmental record. Under Bill Richardson's leadership, New Mexico has become the Clean Energy State. Just this year, Richardson signed a law requiring state utilities to quadruple their use of renewable energy. The state's wind, solar and biofuels industries are booming - creating hundreds of new jobs. And New Mexico has some of the country's toughest greenhouse-gas reduction goals. Bill Richardson's domestic goals will lead this country in the right direction by making it clean and prosperous.

Domestic policy isn't the only thing important to Richardson. Obviously, the foreign policy of the current administration has continued its downward spiral since the invasion of Iraq. Gov. Richardson has had several successful diplomatic meetings with some of the world's most notorious tyrants. In particular, he secured the release of two American civilians in Iraq by negotiating with Saddam Hussein. In 2006, Richardson flew to Sudan and secured the release of National Geographic journalist Paul Salopek. He also spoke to North Korea regarding their nuclear program. This man has proven that military responses are not always the answer and that improving relations with states around the world can be beneficial to the U.S. It isn't a surprise that he has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize four times. In the coming years, strong international experience will be a must for the president, and Richardson's is second to none.

The list of accomplishments by Bill Richardson could go on and on. However, when election day rolls around vote for the candidate who not only talks about the issues, but has actually gotten things done. Don't let mainstream media tell you who to vote for. Do your homework and decide for yourself.

Kevin P. McKenzie
LaVale