Statement by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson on the Death of Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin

SANTA FE, NM- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's today issued the following statement following the death of former Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who died this morning at the age of 76.

"President Yeltsin was larger than life in every way- an intense politician with a unique and bold style," said Governor Richardson. "He sensed the tide of change rising in his country and was a driving force behind the emergence of democracy there. President Yeltsin enjoyed sweeping successes as well as crashing defeats and has left an indelible mark on world history." Bill Richardson served 7 terms in the United States House of Representatives, as well as US Ambassador to the United Nations and as Secretary of Energy, and was recently re-elected to a second term as Governor of New Mexico.