Richardson Campaign Press Release - Governor Bill Richardson Endorsed by Utah Democratic Hispanic Caucus

SANTA FE, NM-- New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson today was endorsed by the Utah Democratic Hispanic Caucus, adding to his campaign's political organization in the state.

The Democratic Hispanic Caucus is the most recent in a long line of endorsements that Richardson has received in Utah; a complete list is below.

"I am honored to have the endorsement of the Utah Democratic Hispanic Caucus," Governor Richardson said. "I am proud to be the first Hispanic to run for the Democratic nomination. This endorsement will help me reach out to the Hispanic community in Utah and across the west. We are building a strong organization in Utah, and I am confident that I will win the state's primary."

Richardson also announced today that he officially is on the Utah ballot.

"Winning in the west is a central part of my strategy to win the nomination and the White House," Richardson said. "As a February 5th primary state, Utah will play an important role in determining who will be the next President. As a two-term western governor, I am the only Democratic candidate who has won in this increasingly crucial region of the country, and I know this experience will help me in the general election.

"The people of Utah know my record, and I share their values. They understand that I will end the war in Iraq and help make us energy independent. I also will protect our land and water and respect the rights of law-abiding gun owners. I am the right choice for the people of Utah and for America."

Here is a complete list of Governor Richardson's endorsers in Utah:

Rocky Anderson, Mayor, Salt Lake City, Steering Committee Co-Chair

Ralph Becker, Representative and Minority Leader, Utah State House

Nikki Boyer, Chair, Stonewall Caucus, Utah Democratic Party

Christian Burridge, Chairman, Salt Lake County Democratic Party

Rebecca Chavez-Houck, Hispanic Activist

Peter Corroon, Mayor, Salt Lake County, Steering Committee Co-Chair

Fred J. Fife, Senator, Utah State Senate

Joe Gallegos, Hispanic Activist

Paula Julander, Former Utah State Senator

Rod Julander, Former Utah State Senator

Scott McCoy, Senator, Utah State Senate

Rosalind "Roz" McGee, Representative, Utah State House

Ross Romero, Senator, Utah State Senate, Steering Committee Co-Chair

LaWanna Lou Shurtliff, Representative, Utah State House

Utah Hispanic Democratic Caucus

Josie Valdez, Minority Affairs Director, City of Salt Lake

Mark A. Wheatley, Representative, Utah State House

David Ybarra, Hispanic Activist