Bill Richardson

Richardson wants minimum teacher pay

ahg0606 — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:32:13 -0600

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - The U.S. should pay teachers a minimum of $40,000 a year, add a federal student arts program and cover student loans for two years in exchange for national service, Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson told supporters Monday.

The proposals are part of a $60 billion education plan the New Mexico governor unveiled earlier this month.

Richardson also spoke about the need for greater international diplomacy, ending the war in Iraq and less reliance on traditional fuels. But he offered the most specifics on education, telling about 100 supporters at the Biltmore Hotel that he also would add 100,000 new science and math teachers.

Richardson also promised to ban junk food in schools and require mandatory physical education and universal pre-kindergarten if elected.

An Associated Press reporter paid the $25 admission fee to attend the fundraiser, which was closed to the media.

Richardson and the other Democratic candidates have pledged not to publicly campaign in Florida because the state violated party rules by setting its primary before Feb. 5.

Democratic Candidates To Debate In Philadelphia

ahg0606 — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:24:00 -0600

Philadelphia is set to play host to Campaign '08 when seven democratic candidates debate at Drexel University on Tuesday night.

It has been more than 30 years since Philadelphia has seen a debate between presidential candidates, but it will be the eighth time the seven leading democratic candidates seeking a shot at the White House have faced off, reported CBS station KYW-TV in Philadelphia.

During the nationally televised debate, candidates are expected to discuss various topics, including the economy, healthcare and the ongoing war in Iraq.

Early favorite Sen. Hillary Clinton will join Sens. Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Chris Dodd, former Sen. John Edwards, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, and Rep. Dennis Kucinich onstage for the debate.

The debate starts at 9 p.m. ET on MSNBC and MSNBC.com. Drexel University will also offer a live stream on its Web site.

Jerry Meek Responds to Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate

admin — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 21:42:22 -0600

North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek issued the following statement after attending tonight’s first DNC-sanctioned Democratic presidential debate at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina:

“Watching the debate live from The Citadel, I was struck by our candidates’ clear vision for restoring the American dream and protecting America’s security. While their Republican counterparts seem stuck to the failed policies of the Bush administration, our candidates have signaled that each of them would forge a new direction for America.

“Tonight’s revolutionary debate format allowed real Americans to speak directly with the candidates, as part of a dialogue between our Party and the American people.”

“The choice for 2008 is clear. Voters can choose Democrats who offer real leadership, or Republicans who offer only divisiveness and failed policies.”