New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson was overwhelmingly re-elected this week with a whopping 68% of votes cast in his favor. Richardson (born in Mexico City born in Pasadena, raised in Mexico City, son of an American father and a Mexican mother), is the only Latino governor in the United States and las malas lenguas say he’s going to try to run for President in 2008. With the recent shift in public support toward the Democrats, could Richardson pull off on a national level what he pulled off in his own state?

Hefty majorities of men and women, Anglos and Hispanics, all age and income groups backed Richardson, according to the exit poll.

The governor also won the political middle ground. Majorities of moderates and independents favored Richardson. Those groups are considered key swing voters in New Mexico elections. About a third of conservatives defected from Dendahl and backed Richardson, according to the survey of voters as they left polling places across the state.

In spite of a relatively liberal philosophy on immigration (he’s reviled by anti-immigrant organizations) and other hot button issues, Richardson seems to have pulled from all walks of life and political affiliations to get this win, which is the kind of appeal that could make him a great candidate for the White House.

Would the Democratic party get behind a Latino candidate for President? And is this country ready for a Latino president? Tell us what you think.

Via / El Paso Times