First half 2007 ,
Nevada, July 2007|left|thumb On March 4, 2007, while attending a campaign breakfast event in
Des Moines, Iowa, Richardson said he believed that the Democratic contest will be decided very early — by the end of January 2008 after the first four state contests (Iowa,
Nevada, New Hampshire, and
South Carolina). "I believe the first four states, with Iowa and New Hampshire being the top ones, will determine who the president is. I always felt that way. What the pundits say about who's in, who's out, who's got the most money doesn't matter. I have a sustained plan to introduce myself to the voters ... and so far I feel very satisfied. I feel I can do very well." The Bill Richardson for President Exploratory Committee raised $6.3 million in the first quarter of 2007. As of April 1, 2007, the campaign had $5 million cash on hand. This was the fifth highest amount raised among the eight candidates for the 2008 Democratic nomination. Presidential Health Care Forum, March 2007.|right|thumb As part of a diplomatic mission, Richardson traveled to
North Korea in early April 2007 for meetings with government officials and successfully recovered the remains of six U.S. servicemen in that country. Richardson had said after the tour that it was "a lot of propaganda, but we're guests here." With the early departure of Governor
Tom Vilsack of Iowa, Richardson became the only candidate in the race for the Democratic nomination with executive experience, a characteristic that he believed would attract Iowa voters. After beginning the race with one percent in most national polls, he began rising to some degree, reaching five percent in three polls conducted in late February 2007, and in so doing, separating himself from other 'second tier' candidates. He was named the "candidate most likely to become a serious contender." Similarly, he began to rise in polls of the early primary and caucus states; a Nevada poll had Richardson with 6%. He also rose to ten percent in New Hampshire, only five points behind John Edwards.
Second half 2007 convention at
McCormick Place in
Chicago By August 12, 2007, Richardson had $7 million of campaign funds on hand, placing him with the fourth highest amount.
Withdrawal On Wednesday, January 9, 2008, it was reported that Richardson would announce his withdrawal from the 2008 presidential race on Thursday. He officially announced his withdrawal on January 10 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
Endorsement in
Denver,
Colorado. On March 21, 2008, the Associated Press reported that Richardson would endorse Barack Obama for president. Richardson endorsed Obama, calling him "a once in a lifetime leader". Commentator and Clinton ally
James Carville famously compared Richardson to
Judas Iscariot for the move. Richardson responded in a
Washington Post article, feeling "compelled to defend [himself] against character assassination and baseless allegations."
Debt and campaign refunds It was reported on March 25, 2008, that Governor Bill Richardson's presidential campaign refunded nearly $789,000. However, his campaign's bank account showed a balance of only $40,939. With a debt of $420,848, Richardson was required to refund company executives, state lobbyists, and other various campaign donors with new, freshly raised funds. There is no report on what the donated money was spent on. ==Primaries and caucuses==