October 23, 2007
Posted: October 23rd, 2007 03:30 PM ET

Bill Richardson

WASHINGTON (CNN) - New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson announced Tuesday that he will donate $10,000 from his campaign's war chest to the Red Cross, and send firefighters from his home state to help fight the California wildfires.

"These fires have been a tragedy for the entire state and my sympathy and concern goes out to the victims and their families," Richardson said in a statement. "We have offered the state of California the full assistance of New Mexico's resources and stand ready to help any way we can."

Richardson is sending two strike teams of firefighters from New Mexico to help protect structures in California. He said they will head to Chino Tuesday night and stay for two weeks.

"New Mexico is fortunate to have no major fires and have the resources available," said Richardson. "Neighbors should help neighbors in their time of need. So, I’m ordering two strike teams to answer’s California’s request and help fight this unprecedented fire.”

– CNN Associate Producer Lauren Kornreich

Filed under: Bill Richardson


therealist   October 24th, 2007 3:27 pm ET

Rich people don't stay in designated shelters. I wonder where Bill's donation money is being spent??

The American Red Cross reported Wednesday that only a small fraction of the nearly 1 million evacuees have been spending the past few nights at dozens of designated shelters stretching from San Diego County to Los Angeles County.

"We believe many people are going to hotels, You can't find a hotel room in all of San Diego right now."

Chris, Middletown, CT   October 24th, 2007 12:52 pm ET

The only way he will be a VP is if Giuliani makes him his running mate....other than that...he will run for VP....Hillraisers and Hilldiots unite now to think of excuses why she doesn't win "the US wasn't ready for a female president" – or the classic "the supreme court stole the election" – think of a good one...they are always really amusing to the literate voters (that doesn't apply to Hillarys base....which will be bused into the voting booths with the incentive of free donuts) – the Demacult!

Karen,nj   October 24th, 2007 11:50 am ET

Might I add. I will not even call Oceanside Cal, They have evacuated Pendleton. If certain relatives who are Repubs are having problems out there than they can call me, which is highly unlikely. Most of the time I keep this computer on so I won't be bothered by people. A friend called a few days ago and I hung up on her. As far as Bill Richardson is concerned don't worry about if he will be VP. I was told he would make a very good VP.

Tom Dedham, Mass   October 24th, 2007 10:35 am ET

“One reason why we have the fires in California is global warming,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters Tuesday, stressing the need to pass the Democrats’ comprehensive energy package.

Moments later, when asked by a reporter if he really believed global warming caused the fires, he appeared to back away from his comments, saying there are many factors that contributed to the disaster.

Talking out of both sides of your ass as usual Harry?

I happened to have it on MSNBC and Headline news last night and experts on the environment are saying that the cause of this are actually the "green heads" who for years have fought tooth and nail against any type of "brush removal" thus the fire is being fed by this brush.

Cutting the brush sets up a nice firewall that stops the fire from spreading, brush still there, fuel for the fire.

Interesting eh, Harry?

Chris, Middletown, CT   October 24th, 2007 8:50 am ET

now....correct me if I'm wrong....but it appears as though the Clinton machine is eying this guy for a VP run....he has nothing bad to say about Hillary...has a 1% share.....has only party line opinions....and remind me why CNN runs 3-4 stories about him each day?? Why can't we have a fair and balanced news...??

Dan (Columbia, MD)   October 24th, 2007 7:22 am ET

Good for Bill. Politics aside, it's nice to see him put his money where his mouth is.

Erica Wolfeboro, NH   October 23rd, 2007 11:39 pm ET

Gosh, I just love Richardson! In another 10 years or so I hope to see him on the campaign trail again.

What a wonderful offer for him to donate that money!!

Brian, Orlando, Florida   October 23rd, 2007 10:01 pm ET

He his certainly the best person running for president

Hilary, Rochester NY   October 23rd, 2007 9:17 pm ET

Gov. Richardson, you're a treasure.

It's amusing to see that nobody rushes to comment when a candidate does something thoughtful.

Daniel, El Paso, TX   October 23rd, 2007 7:53 pm ET

And no one notices. Everyone is far to excited about the fabulous job Sen Clinton is doing by.. err what is she doing? Oh ya getting people like me to not vote for her in 08 and support some slightly less alter ego of hers on the republican side. Some people do notice the fact Gov. that you actually get stuff done in NM.

Shan, Honolulu HI   October 23rd, 2007 7:26 pm ET

This is what the nation needs. Not a bunch of bickering and backstabbing but unity. I'm not a democrat but I'd vote for Richardson if I was simply because he is taking the time to help out his neighbor in need. Kudos!

Moe, NY   October 23rd, 2007 5:24 pm ET

I am not very knowledgeable regarding Gov. Richardson, but what a wonderful thing he is doing for Calif. Bless you Gov. Richardson. I would like to know where the U.S. Military is...they most certainly should have been there by now, these fires have been growing by the day. Calif. firefighters need help immediately, if not days ago.

Chris, Williamsburg VA   October 23rd, 2007 5:14 pm ET

He gets an "A" for effort, but that will not be enough to win the nomination

d   October 23rd, 2007 5:12 pm ET

uh, did his supporters tell him to do that.

Tom Dedham, Mass   October 23rd, 2007 5:01 pm ET

For his many positions that I disagree with him on, I do find it EASY AS HELL to like and respect him because of moves like this.

Be it a Democrat or a Republican, they would do well to include this guy in a cabinet position.

He and Biden blow the other candidates away if you really want to EVEN DISCUSS experience.

Chris Gregory, Bloomington, IL   October 23rd, 2007 4:45 pm ET

I hope this does not sway anyone to vote for Richardson in the primaries or polls. Perhaps he is giving away campaign funds because he knows he won't win. Maybe he'll band together with the other second tier candidates and support boosting Biden into the top tier.

Anthony, New Mexico   October 23rd, 2007 4:27 pm ET

That is awesome.

VL   October 23rd, 2007 4:27 pm ET

Is anyone else going to step up and do What Richardson did?

David, Arlington, VA   October 23rd, 2007 4:24 pm ET

Good for Gov. Richardson. "Neighbors should help neighbors in their time of need." I couldn't say it better. Hopefully, we can keep politics out of this issue, wish the firefighters good luck, and, most importantly, keep our thoughts with the people of southern California.

Dave, Richmond, VA   October 23rd, 2007 4:24 pm ET

OK, so Giuliani has grown some hair, and a darker coplexion, while losing his glasses.

CNN, check you photo captions!

Anonymous   October 23rd, 2007 4:18 pm ET

the best video I've ever seen as to why NOT to have a Bush/Clinton dynasty; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c0eLVYbnI4

Karen,nj   October 23rd, 2007 4:13 pm ET

Well, at least one Democrat is actually doing something. That I respect. It may not be alot, but it means alot more for fellow Dems to see that.

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