Hispanic Leaders Endorse Richardson For Cabinet

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) – The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda is backing Governor Richardson as secretary of state in the administration of President-elect Barack Obama.

The head of the Washington, D.C.-based group, John Trasvina says no one is more qualified to be the nation’s chief diplomat.

Last week, Richardson refused to discuss the subject.

He says he’s happy as governor and is planning his legislative agenda.

Richardson was energy secreary and ambassador to the United Nations in the Clinton administration after serving as a congressman from New Mexico.

He’s also been a diplomatic troubleshooter, negotiating the release of Americans in North Korea, Iraq and Sudan.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)