politics

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson brought his underdog-but-gaining presidential campaign to Minnesota on Friday.

The Democrat spent the morning fundraising and meeting with Hispanic and American Indian leaders before an early afternoon briefing with local reporters. He promised a more substantial campaign stop in the state this summer.

The former congressman, U.N. ambassador and energy secretary said his policies on Iraq -- he would completely withdraw all troops -- and energy independence should especially resonate with Minnesota and Iowa voters. Richardson also wants to cut U.S. demand for oil in half by 2020 and turn to alternatives, such as ethanol.

He praised Minnesota's history of progressive politics, dropped a few names (the late Hubert H. Humphrey was an influence in his life, and he was a fan of Harmon Killebrew) and more than once said Minnesota is an important state to him.

One reason, he admitted, is that it is close to Iowa. The Iowa caucuses are the first step in the nomination process for the 2008 presidential election. Richardson, who called his campaign "grass roots," plans to send Minnesota volunteers one state south.

Richardson said he must do well in the early caucuses and primaries to have a shot to become the Democratic nominee for president.

"I believe that my style of governing -- consensus building, bringing people together -- is what the American people want," he said.

National pundits and publications have been fairly receptive to his candidacy, although many lump Richardson into a "second tier" of contenders behind Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton and John Edwards. But, Richardson said, the percentage of New Hampshire voters favoring him have moved "into the double digits," he said.

"I believe the next president should be somebody who's got the best qualifications," he said. "Rather than who's got the most money or whether they're a rock star."

Richardson isn't alone in heading to the Twin Cities in June.

Clinton held two fundraisers and visited a Minneapolis hospital on June 2.

Obama has scheduled a "Minnesota Kick-Off" in Minneapolis on June 29. The event will be held at International Market Square. Tickets -- $25 or $15 for students and seniors -- must be bought in advance though his website.

Republican Sen. John McCain is scheduled to hold a fundraiser at a private residence in St. Paul on Thursday, with tickets to the event starting at $1,000.

James Walsh • 612-673-7428 • jwalsh@startribune.com