Daschle out, Richardson in for 2008 presidential race

I had heard some really bad things about New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, I think about six months ago. Some of those things were probably being spread by his political foes; a lot of that talk has dried up but now it might start up again.

I like Richardson and would like to see the Democrats nominate him. He's almost as strong a candidate as Hillary, and I think potentially far more likable to the electorate. I would consider voting for him, especially if someone like McCain or Giuliani is the nominee.

Also, Daschle recently announced he wouldn't run. No surprise there.

DEMS

Barack Obama (IL) 100
Wes Clark (AR) 89
Hillary Clinton (NY) 56
John Edwards (NC) 54
Bill Richardson (NM) 48 (+1)
Tom Vilsack (IA) 45
John Murtha (PA) 33
Al Gore (TN) 24
Joe Biden (DE) 16
Evan Bayh (IN) 16
John Kerry (MA) 14
Mike Gravel (AK) 10


GOP

Condoleeza Rice (CA) 79
Haley Barbour (MS) 79
Mitt Romney (MA) 74
Tim Pawlenty (MN) 70
Tom Tancredo (CO) 46
Rudy Giuliani (NY) 32
John McCain (AZ) 26
Fred Thompson (TN) 23
Chuck Hagel (NE) 20
Mike Huckabee (AR) 19
Duncan Hunter (CA) 19
Sam Brownback (KS) 19
Tom Coburn (OK) 16
Newt Gingrich (GA) 11
Tommy Thompson (WI) 10
George Pataki (NY) 7