Richardson won't speak at convention tonight

Posted 8/27/2008 08:46:00 PM

Gov. Bill Richardson was scheduled to speak tonight at the Democratic National Convention shortly before vice presidential candidate Joe Biden took the stage, but he was apparently bumped from the schedule.

There is no immediate word on why Richardson’s speech was removed from tonight’s schedule. As reported by NMFBIHOP, who is at the convention, Richardson was on the schedule until the last minute. In fact, click here for Richardson’s remarks as prepared for delivery, which were released to the media.

Update, 9:05 p.m.

Conchita Cruz, spokeswoman for the Democratic Party of New Mexico, said Richardson will speak Thursday. She said the time will be announced in the morning.

Update, 9:10 p.m.

Asked why Richardson was bumped from tonight’s schedule, Cruz said this: “We will have more details in the morning.”

Update, 9:55 p.m.

The Democratic National Convention Committee said in a news release that Richardson will speak Thursday at INVESCO Field at Mile High. Convention spokeswoman Jenni Engebretsen said an “enthusiastic audience response” led to a “long-running schedule” tonight, so convention organizers asked Richardson to speak Thursday instead.

“He will be speaking to 75,000 people and a nationally televised audience,” Engebretsen said.

The new time for Richardson’s speech has not been announced.

Update, 10:25 p.m.

Richardson spokesman Pahl Shipley said the governor “is excited about the opportunity to speak on the climactic night of the convention.” He said the governor’s speech will be “in prime time.”