Bill Richardson: A Long-Time Champion of Open Service

We've given a bit of space here already to analyzing many of the 2008 presidential candidates, but did not have an opportunity to include a recent entry in the race - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson - in our earlier round-up on where the candidates stand regarding repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Governor Richardson was Congressman Richardson back in 1993, when lawmakers were debating "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and wading through a swamp of anti-gay sentiment on Capitol Hill. But Richardson stood out even then as a champion of lesbian and gay service members. He was one of only a handful of lawmakers to vote against the law, advocating instead for the right of gay personnel to serve openly.

From Day 1, Richardson made clear that anything less than full citizenship for gay service members was simply unacceptable.

Today, Governor Richards continues to support open service, and a repeal of the ban. This entry from The Bill Richardson Blog also points out that the Governor is an outspoken advocate on other issues important to the LGBT community, too.

Governor Richardson brings an important voting record to the 2008 race, and a long history of fighting for inclusion and opportunity. We look forward to hearing more of what he has to say on the campaign trail.

- Steve Ralls