Richardson ends his bid for White House

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson ended his long-shot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination yesterday, after poor finishes in the first two contests in Iowa and New Hampshire.

He praised all of his Democratic rivals but endorsed no one. He encouraged voters to "take a long and thoughtful look" and elect one of them president.

Richardson said that although his support at the polls lagged the front-runners, many of his leading rivals had moved closer to his positions on such issues as the war in Iraq and educating young Americans at home.

"Despite overwhelming financial and political odds, I am proud of the campaign we waged . . . and most importantly, the influence we had on the issues that matter the most to the future of this country," he said.

On a less serious note, he estimated the long campaign had included 200 debates. He quickly amended that to 24 but said "it felt like 200."

Richardson, 60, announced his decision at the New Mexico Capitol, saying he was returning to "the best job in the world," as New Mexico's governor.

With the New Mexico Legislature convening for its annual one-month regular session Tuesday, he said with a grin to all those involved: "I'm back."

Richardson fell below 5 percent in the New Hampshire primary Tuesday and came in with just 2 percent in the Iowa caucuses last week.

Hillary Clinton called Richardson "a great public servant and a friend."

"He waged a hard-fought and substantive campaign and helped drive the conversation on the great issues facing our nation. I wish him the best of luck as he continues his outstanding work in New Mexico," she said in a statement.

Edwards also congratulated Richardson, saying he had run a good race.

"He was a very good candidate, a serious candidate," Edwards said in Columbia, S.C. "I congratulate him. He ought to be proud of what he's done. What's happened is, over time the race is becoming more focused. I think that's good for democracy. I think this thing's going on for a long time."

By BARRY MASSEY

The Associated Press