New Mexico governor denies he wants to be Kerry's running mate

[Freddie Stubbs]

By ERIC TALMADGE
Associated Press Writer

TOKYO -- Washington's former U.N. ambassador Bill Richardson denied rumors Wednesday that he wants to be John F. Kerry's running mate in the U.S. presidential campaign, saying Wednesday he is "happy being governor of New Mexico."

Richardson was wrapping up a mission to drum up trade for his U.S. state of New Mexico in South Korea and Japan when he told reporters that he supports Kerry and believes that the Massachussets senator will become the Democratic Party's candidate next month.

But he added that he doesn't want to be on the ticket.

"I'm not interested," the state governor told a news conference at the Japan Press Club. "I'm very happy being governor of New Mexico. But I will help Sen. Kerry in his campaign."

more: http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040616/APN/406160668

[Padraig18]

1. "I'm not interested," he says for the umpteenth time. n/t

[Auntie Bush]

2. Damn, Clark said the same thing on CNN this morning!

[punpirate]

3. I don't think Richardson is being dishonest about this...

... from what I can gather here in New Mexico.

The question becomes one of Kerry's unwillingness to announce, and that's why there's so much press speculation. They want an answer now, but I don't think anyone's going to get an answer until the convention.