"I would be willing to consider it. I'm not supporting it now because I believe that is - for family businesses, for small farmers, for middle income families - that is a tax increase," he said.

On illegal immigration, Richardson praised the reform bill that failed in Congress this year that would have provided a pathway to legal citizenship to illegal immigrants who learn English and pay fines and back taxes.

"I'm being candid. This is not a perfect solution, but it is far better than doing nothing or deporting everyone," he said. "The best thing to do when you have a tough issue is face it . . . you lose votes, but you should accept it and do the right thing."

Richardson was accompanied by his wife, Barbara, who was asked by a voter why her husband should be president.

"Could I think about that?" Barbara Richardson joked, then explained that her husband's approach to problems sets him apart from other candidates. She noted his experience in negotiating for the release of American hostages.

"He's always gone back to the table with a different proposal, a different approach to the problem, to achieve his goals," she said. "I think the way he looks at his opponent, in terms of respect - even though he might not sit down and have dinner with the guy - it's different.

"You combine that with his background in legislation, diplomacy, management as both governor and a large agency (the federal Energy Department) - I think that separates him out from most of the other candidates. All of them," she said.