ng human rights abuses earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001. He also assisted in the arms negotiations with North Korean delegates. Richardson has also recognized the importance of environmental issues. He states emphatically that New Mexico requires “Ten percent of all energy come from renewable sources and we're moving toward 20 percent, we've provided incentives for solar, wind, biofuels and other renewables…As Energy Secretary I implemented tough efficiency standards that have saved consumers billions in energy costs.”. Richardson understands the power of the Hispanic voting bloc, saying "These are changing political times…We have to band together and that means Latinos in Florida, Cuban-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, South Americans - we have to network better. We have to be more politically minded, we have to put aside party and think of ourselves as Latinos, as Hispanics, more than we have in the past."

Richardson however, has no clear position on immigration. He declared four counties along the New Mexico border as disaster areas and stepped up border patrols; at one time he called for an amnesty program; another time he was ag

The Democratic primary will more than likely result in a fractured party and no clear winner going into their Quadrennial confab. The candidates will have beaten up on each other to no avail, and critics will cite Barack Obama’s inexperience, and Hillary Clinton’s questionable electability. Moreover, John Edwards and others—no, not the name of a Seattle-based grunge band—will further fragment the voting.

Leave it to Academy Award winner, and the former Vice President Albert A. Gore to ride to the rescue. —“The man who used to be the next president of the United States, " has been sounding more and more like a candidate. Observe:

The 60-year-old Gore may have left the door ajar in 2002, when during an interview on National Public Radio, he stated "If I did run again, it would be on the basis of just starting over from scratch and not taking anything for granted…talking to people in small groups and individually... about the major challenges facing the country."

Three years ago, Gore accused Bush of betraying the country. “He played on our fears. He took America on an ill-conceived foreign adventure dangerous to our troops, an adventure preordained and planned before 9/11 ever took place." Later, he called for the resignations of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Douglas Feith, and Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Stephen Cambone. In that same speech he also chastised the administration for turning a blind eye to the abuse taking place at Abu Ghraib Prison, calling it “the natural consequence of the Bush Administration policy."

Later Gore said, “We would not have invaded a country that didn't attack us. We would not be trying to control and intimidate the news media. We would not be routinely torturing people."

Gore’s central concern is the threat the world faces from global warming, of which the U.S. is the major offender. “It is now clear that we face a deepening global climate crisis that requires us to act boldly, quickly and wisely…it should be understood for what it is: a planetary emergency that now threatens human civilization on multiple fronts.” He has said of the current administration’s environmental policy, “a massive and well-organized campaign of disinformation lavishly funded by polluters who are determined to prevent any action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, out of a fear that their profits might be affected if they had to stop dumping so much pollution into the atmosphere."

His recent Oscar win for the documentary, “An inconvenient Truth,” has not only given Gore a platform, but has helped revamp his image, from a wooden geek to an elder statesman with more fervor. Despite several “Draft Al” campaigns, Gore declined to run in 2004, calling on the Democrats to “Present fresh faces and new ideas." He argued that if he were to run the election would be more about the rematch itself rather than the issues affecting the country. 2008, however, presents a different scenario, with Clinton and Obama leading what is considered to be a weak field.

Moreover, the Latino vote is expected to play a significant role in the election of the nation’s next Chief Executive. With no southern strategy of which to speak,the Democrats may turn their eye westward. Arizona's population is 25 percent Hispanic. New Mexico's is 42. California, Florida, Texas and New York also have sizable Latino populations. These six states account for 162 electoral votes, 60% of the total needed to be elected

The dramatic increase in the number of Latino citizens in the 1990s has created a powerful voting bloc that both Democrats and Republicans are wooing. Statistics show that between 1984 and 1996, the GOP's share of the Hispanic vote in presidential elections dropped from 37 to 21 percent, while voter registration increased by nearly 30%. The ever-growing clout of Latinos is evident in California, where Latinos comprise about 30 percent of the population. This political weight has enabled Latinos to combat anti-immigration sentiment, including denial of social services to legal immigrants. The Democrats might not only look west for the number two man on the 2008 ticket, but they may be wise to look at Latino candidates, the most viable of whom is New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson.

Richardson has impressive credentials. He was nominated as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In 1998, he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of Energy. He was elected Governor of “The Land of Enchantment” in 2002. He has also negotiated with Saddam Hussein and the government of the Sudan to free prisoners and his work addressing human rights abuses earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001. He also assisted in the arms negotiations with North Korean delegates. Richardson has also recognized the importance of environmental issues. He states emphatically that New Mexico requires “Ten percent of all energy come from renewable sources and we're moving toward 20 percent, we've provided incentives for solar, wind, biofuels and other renewables…As Energy Secretary I implemented tough efficiency standards that have saved consumers billions in energy costs.”. Richardson understands the power of the Hispanic voting bloc, saying "These are changing political times…We have to band together and that means Latinos in Florida, Cuban-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, South Americans - we have to network better. We have to be more politically minded, we have to put aside party and think of ourselves as Latinos, as Hispanics, more than we have in the past."

Richardson however, has no clear position on immigration. He declared four counties along the New Mexico border as disaster areas and stepped up border patrols; at one time he called for an amnesty program; another time he was aga

lace." Later, he called for the resignations of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet, National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Douglas Feith, and Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Stephen Cambone. In that same speech he also chastised the administration for turning a blind eye to the abuse taking place at Abu Ghraib Prison, calling it “the natural consequence of the Bush Administration policy."

Later Gore said, “We would not have invaded a country that didn't attack us. We would not be trying to control and intimidate the news media. We would not be routinely torturing people."

Gore’s central concern is the threat the world faces from global warming, of which the U.S. is the major offender. “It is now clear that we face a deepening global climate crisis that requires us to act boldly, quickly and wisely…it should be understood for what it is: a planetary emergency that now threatens human civilization on multiple fronts.” He has said of the current administration’s environmental policy, “a massive and well-organized campaign of disinformation lavishly funded by polluters who are determined to prevent any action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, out of a fear that their profits might be affected if they had to stop dumping so much pollution into the atmosphere."

His recent Oscar win for the documentary, “An inconvenient Truth,” has not only given Gore a platform, but has helped revamp his image, from a wooden geek to an elder statesman with more fervor. Despite several “Draft Al” campaigns, Gore declined to run in 2004, calling on the Democrats to “Present fresh faces and new ideas." He argued that if he were to run the election would be more about the rematch itself rather than the issues affecting the country. 2008, however, presents a different scenario, with Clinton and Obama leading what is considered to be a weak field.

Moreover, the Latino vote is expected to play a significant role in the election of the nation’s next Chief Executive. With no southern strategy of which to speak,the Democrats may turn their eye westward. Arizona's population is 25 percent Hispanic. New Mexico's is 42. California, Florida, Texas and New York also have sizable Latino populations. These six states account for 162 electoral votes, 60% of the total needed to be elected

The dramatic increase in the number of Latino citizens in the 1990s has created a powerful voting bloc that both Democrats and Republicans are wooing. Statistics show that between 1984 and 1996, the GOP's share of the Hispanic vote in presidential elections dropped from 37 to 21 percent, while voter registration increased by nearly 30%. The ever-growing clout of Latinos is evident in California, where Latinos comprise about 30 percent of the population. This political weight has enabled Latinos to combat anti-immigration sentiment, including denial of social services to legal immigrants. The Democrats might not only look west for the number two man on the 2008 ticket, but they may be wise to look at Latino candidates, the most viable of whom is New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson.

Richardson has impressive credentials. He was nominated as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In 1998, he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of Energy. He was elected Governor of “The Land of Enchantment” in 2002. He has also negotiated with Saddam Hussein and the government of the Sudan to free prisoners and his work addressing human rights abuses earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001. He also assisted in the arms negotiations with North Korean delegates. Richardson has also recognized the importance of environmental issues. He states emphatically that New Mexico requires “Ten percent of all energy come from renewable sources and we're moving toward 20 percent, we've provided incentives for solar, wind, biofuels and other renewables…As Energy Secretary I implemented tough efficiency standards that have saved consumers billions in energy costs.”. Richardson understands the power of the Hispanic voting bloc, saying "These are changing political times…We have to band together and that means Latinos in Florida, Cuban-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, South Americans - we have to network better. We have to be more politically minded, we have to put aside party and think of ourselves as Latinos, as Hispanics, more than we have in the past."

Richardson however, has no clear position on immigration. He declared four counties along the New Mexico border as disaster areas and stepped up border patrols; at one time he called for an amnesty program; another time he was ag

ly funded by polluters who are determined to prevent any action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, out of a fear that their profits might be affected if they had to stop dumping so much pollution into the atmosphere."

His recent Oscar win for the documentary, “An inconvenient Truth,” has not only given Gore a platform, but has helped revamp his image, from a wooden geek to an elder statesman with more fervor. Despite several “Draft Al” campaigns, Gore declined to run in 2004, calling on the Democrats to “Present fresh faces and new ideas." He argued that if he were to run the election would be more about the rematch itself rather than the issues affecting the country. 2008, however, presents a different scenario, with Clinton and Obama leading what is considered to be a weak field.

Moreover, the Latino vote is expected to play a significant role in the election of the nation’s next Chief Executive. With no southern strategy of which to speak,the Democrats may turn their eye westward. Arizona's population is 25 percent Hispanic. New Mexico's is 42. California, Florida, Texas and New York also have sizable Latino populations. These six states account for 162 electoral votes, 60% of the total needed to be elected

The dramatic increase in the number of Latino citizens in the 1990s has created a powerful voting bloc that both Democrats and Republicans are wooing. Statistics show that between 1984 and 1996, the GOP's share of the Hispanic vote in presidential elections dropped from 37 to 21 percent, while voter registration increased by nearly 30%. The ever-growing clout of Latinos is evident in California, where Latinos comprise about 30 percent of the population. This political weight has enabled Latinos to combat anti-immigration sentiment, including denial of social services to legal immigrants. The Democrats might not only look west for the number two man on the 2008 ticket, but they may be wise to look at Latino candidates, the most viable of whom is New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson.

Richardson has impressive credentials. He was nominated as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In 1998, he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of Energy. He was elected Governor of “The Land of Enchantment” in 2002. He has also negotiated with Saddam Hussein and the government of the Sudan to free prisoners and his work addressing human rights abuses earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001. He also assisted in the arms negotiations with North Korean delegates. Richardson has also recognized the importance of environmental issues. He states emphatically that New Mexico requires “Ten percent of all energy come from renewable sources and we're moving toward 20 percent, we've provided incentives for solar, wind, biofuels and other renewables…As Energy Secretary I implemented tough efficiency standards that have saved consumers billions in energy costs.”. Richardson understands the power of the Hispanic voting bloc, saying "These are changing political times…We have to band together and that means Latinos in Florida, Cuban-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, South Americans - we have to network better. We have to be more politically minded, we have to put aside party and think of ourselves as Latinos, as Hispanics, more than we have in the past."

Richardson however, has no clear position on immigration. He declared four counties along the New Mexico border as disaster areas and stepped up border patrols; at one time he called for an amnesty program; another time he was ag

electoral votes, 60% of the total needed to be elected

The dramatic increase in the number of Latino citizens in the 1990s has created a powerful voting bloc that both Democrats and Republicans are wooing. Statistics show that between 1984 and 1996, the GOP's share of the Hispanic vote in presidential elections dropped from 37 to 21 percent, while voter registration increased by nearly 30%. The ever-growing clout of Latinos is evident in California, where Latinos comprise about 30 percent of the population. This political weight has enabled Latinos to combat anti-immigration sentiment, including denial of social services to legal immigrants. The Democrats might not only look west for the number two man on the 2008 ticket, but they may be wise to look at Latino candidates, the most viable of whom is New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson.

Richardson has impressive credentials. He was nominated as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. In 1998, he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Secretary of Energy. He was elected Governor of “The Land of Enchantment” in 2002. He has also negotiated with Saddam Hussein and the government of the Sudan to free prisoners and his work addressing human rights abuses earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001. He also assisted in the arms negotiations with North Korean delegates. Richardson has also recognized the importance of environmental issues. He states emphatically that New Mexico requires “Ten percent of all energy come from renewable sources and we're moving toward 20 percent, we've provided incentives for solar, wind, biofuels and other renewables…As Energy Secretary I implemented tough efficiency standards that have saved consumers billions in energy costs.”. Richardson understands the power of the Hispanic voting bloc, saying "These are changing political times…We have to band together and that means Latinos in Florida, Cuban-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, South Americans - we have to network better. We have to be more politically minded, we have to put aside party and think of ourselves as Latinos, as Hispanics, more than we have in the past."

Richardson however, has no clear position on immigration. He declared four counties along the New Mexico border as disaster areas and stepped up border patrols; at one time he called for an amnesty program; another time he was ag

ng human rights abuses earned him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001. He also assisted in the arms negotiations with North Korean delegates. Richardson has also recognized the importance of environmental issues. He states emphatically that New Mexico requires “Ten percent of all energy come from renewable sources and we're moving toward 20 percent, we've provided incentives for solar, wind, biofuels and other renewables…As Energy Secretary I implemented tough efficiency standards that have saved consumers billions in energy costs.”. Richardson understands the power of the Hispanic voting bloc, saying "These are changing political times…We have to band together and that means Latinos in Florida, Cuban-Americans, Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, South Americans - we have to network better. We have to be more politically minded, we have to put aside party and think of ourselves as Latinos, as Hispanics, more than we have in the past."

Richardson however, has no clear position on immigration. He declared four counties along the New Mexico border as disaster areas and stepped up border patrols; at one time he called for an amnesty program; another time he was against building a fence along the border, calling it “easily porous.” In 2003 he signed a bill allowing illegal immigrants to obtain drivers’ licenses.

On immigration, he writes, “Securing the border must come first -- but we must understand that building a fence will not in any way accomplish that objective. No fence ever built has stopped history and this one wouldn't either…It flies in the face of America as a symbol of freedom. We should do: immediately put enough National Guard troops at the border to keep it covered until we can secure it with Border Patrol officers…I propose doubling the number of Border Patrol agents from approximately 12-thousand to 24-thousand.We should give the Border Patrol the benefit of the best surveillance equipment available to our military. And, as suggested by Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a leader on immigration issues, we should implement a system of "informant visas" and cash rewards for aliens who provide law enforcement with information on human traffickers and document forgers.”

Richardson also believes in is strong alliances between the U.S. and Mexico, saying, “Now is the time to increase our economic cooperation, our trade, our educational exchanges." Further, Richardson is praised by New Mexico’s conservatives for cutting state taxes.

While the War in the Middle East and terrorism are the core concerns of Americans, the nation’s electorate has becoming more knowledge about the environment and the issues surrounding energy pricing, availability and technology. A Gore-Richardson ticket would no doubt make these issues a cornerstone of the Democrats 2008 platform.

Sources:

Biography of Al Gore, Wikipedia

Timothy N. Stelly, Sr., “Will Al Gore run For President In 2008?” Useless Knowledge e-zine, November 2005

Lisa Trei, “Gore encourages business students to 'be the change',” Stanford University, November 16, 2005

Jessie Seyfer, “Gore's 'Generation' Seeks True Values,” San Jose Mercury News, November 12, 2005

2007, Bill Richardson for President Exploratory Committee, Inc.

Al Gore, “The climate crisis and the need for leadership,” November 3, 2005 (Source unavailable)

Timothy N. Stelly, Sr. “Election 2008: Can Latino Power Resuscitate The Democrats?” Useless Knowledge e-zine, Nov. 14, 2005

Stewart M. Powell, “Hispanic Political Importance Growing,” Hearst Washington Bureau, October 1998

Profile of Bill Richardson, Wikipedia