Is Richardson running for President?

Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico, is yet to declare if he will be running for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

As a former Member of Congress for 14 years, US Ambassador to the United Nations and US Secretary for Energy, Richardson has no shortage of experience in public service.

Richardson has said that he would be making a decision on a run in January, so an announcement is considered to be imminent.

Since late 2004, Richardson has visited crucial states Iowa twice, and New Hampshire 5 times.

In recent days, Richardson has been in Darfur, Sudan attempting to negotiate greater numbers United Nations troops for the war torn country and a peace settlement between warring factions. Richardson has issued a statement to say the trip was successful. His efforts will no doubt highlight Richardson's foreign policy credentials, which are already substantial.

But does Richardson have the capacity to secure the Democratic nomination?

He has had a good record in the past in fundraising, not only for himself, but for fellow Democrats. And as Chair of the 2004 Democratic National Convention and Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, he is well known outside of New Mexico. His result of nearly 69% of the vote when he was re-elected last November should not be overlooked either.

The big question is whether Richardson can compete with the higher profile potential candidates in Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and declared candidate John Edwards.