Biography of governor bill richardson

WASHINGTON − Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, 75, known for his efforts in freeing hostages and other wrongly detained Americans, died in his sleep on Friday at his home in Chatham, Massachusetts.

Richardson had worn many hats throughout his life: congressman, a 2008 presidential candidate, a U.N.

ambassador in the Clinton administration and a secretary of energy. However, he always went by the moniker "the Governor," from his time leading his home state of New Mexico.

"He lived his entire life in the service of others – including both his time in government and his subsequent career helping to free people held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad.

... The world has lost a champion for those held unjustly abroad, and I have lost a mentor and a dear friend," said Mickey Bergman, vice president of the Richardson Center for Global Engagement, which Richardson ran.

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