Opinion: Bill Richardson closes a door

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Immediate political speculation erupted this past week when New Mexico’s Republican Sen. Pete Domenici said he would not seek reelection next year, that the open seat might tempt New Mexico’s Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson to run and pick up another vital Senate spot for his party.

Being a senator is just about the only job on the planet that the well-traveled, heavily-experienced Richardson has not held.

Not counting the presidency, which is what he is unsuccessfully running after at the moment. Behind in the polls and fundraising, opting for another Washington job that would get him out of Santa Fe’s summers seemed like a real political possibility. Richardson already has super statewide name recognition and campaigning for a New Mexico Senate seat would mean he’d never have to visit another cafe in Mason City, Iowa, and fake friendly conversation about the need for ethanol and the price of hog futures.

But Richardson telephoned the Associated Press and talked to Nedra Pickler. ‘I am not running for the Senate,’ he said. ‘I’m running for president.’ Then the candidate hung up.

Just in case there were any doubts in the always suspicious media’s mind, Richardson later sent out a spokesman, Tom Reynolds, who uttered one of our favorite quotes of the current political season:

‘We are confident we are going to win,’ said Reynolds. ‘If for some unfathomable reason he is not the Democratic nominee, he will return and serve out his term as governor. We’re not leaving any door open to run for the Senate.’

OK, no door. But how about a window?

--Andrew Malcolm