Bill Richardson for VP?

With the Democratic presidential race all but over speculation has run rampant on who will join Barack Obama as the party’s vice prudential candidate. Some pundits have hypothesized that Obama should pick defeated candidate Hillary Clinton and run on a so-called “dream ticket.” However, there are other experienced and qualified Democrats who could be a good fit as V.P.

One of the frontrunners to be on an Obama ticket is New Mexico governor Bill Richardson. Richardson- who is the head of a border state and failed in his long-shot attempt to run for the White House- endorsed Obama’s presidential bid last March. Though Richardson tried not to emphasize his Mexican heritage, analysts believe that his Hispanic background could sway the Latino electorate towards the Democrats. While one of the main critiques of Obama is his lack of experience in office, Richardson is a seasoned diplomat with an extensive foreign policy background. Richardson is also slightly younger than other top V.P. candidates like Joe Biden and Jim Webb though he is of the same age as a pair of leading female names. (Clinton and Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius).

Richardson does have some disadvantages, however. As we noted in 2007, the American public doesn’t know very much about him (and still don’t) and the Wen Ho Lee scandal could serve as fodder against him. During his bid for presidency he had trouble during the debates and his call for an immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq could serve as a liability with voters on the right.

British oddsmakers William Hill have given Richardson 7/1 odds in being picked to run with Obama. Those are pretty good odds though ultimately the decision rests with Obama himself.

Sources- The Latin Americanist, Crooks and Liars, Fact Checker, Monsters and Critics, boston.com, BBC News, Globe and Mail, Foreign Policy Passport, Casino Beacon

Image- TIME