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Former Gov. Bill Richardson and his career in photos

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Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson seemed very emotional when asked about the cabinet meeting with President Clinton. In fact he said it was "emotional," and could barely speak on Sept. 10, 1998.
Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson seemed very emotional when asked about the cabinet meeting with President Clinton. In fact he said it was "emotional," and could barely speak on Sept. 10, 1998.
Tim Dillon, USA Toda
US President Bill Clinton hugs Secretary of Energy nominee Bill Richardson (R) during a June 18, 1998, Rose Garden ceremony at the White House. Richardson, a veteran Democratic politician and former US ambassador to the United Nations who later spent decades negotiating the release of Americans detained around the world, has died at age 75, his associates said on Sept. 2, 2023. Richardson, who also served as governor of New Mexico and the US energy secretary, passed away peacefully in his sleep late Sept, 1, the Richardson Center for Global Engagement said in a statement.
US President Bill Clinton hugs Secretary of Energy nominee Bill Richardson (R) during a June 18, 1998, Rose Garden ceremony at the White House. Richardson, a veteran Democratic politician and former US ambassador to the United Nations who later spent decades negotiating the release of Americans detained around the world, has died at age 75, his associates said on Sept. 2, 2023. Richardson, who also served as governor of New Mexico and the US energy secretary, passed away peacefully in his sleep late Sept, 1, the Richardson Center for Global Engagement said in a statement.
PAUL J. RICHARDS, AFP Via Getty Images
(US Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson casts his affirmative vote on March 2, 1998, at UN headquarters in New York for a unanimous resolution threatening "severest consequences" if Iraq violates an accord on UN weapons inspections. Richardson, a veteran Democratic politician and former US ambassador to the United Nations who later spent decades negotiating the release of Americans detained around the world, has died at age 75, his associates said on Sept. 2, 2023. Richardson, who also served as governor of New Mexico and the US energy secretary, passed away peacefully in his sleep late Sept. 1, the Richardson Center for Global Engagement said in a statement.
(US Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson casts his affirmative vote on March 2, 1998, at UN headquarters in New York for a unanimous resolution threatening "severest consequences" if Iraq violates an accord on UN weapons inspections. Richardson, a veteran Democratic politician and former US ambassador to the United Nations who later spent decades negotiating the release of Americans detained around the world, has died at age 75, his associates said on Sept. 2, 2023. Richardson, who also served as governor of New Mexico and the US energy secretary, passed away peacefully in his sleep late Sept. 1, the Richardson Center for Global Engagement said in a statement.
STAN HONDA, AFP Via Getty Images
United States' Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson (R) meets Japanese Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi (L) June 19, at the UN headquarters in New York. Mr. Obuchi stopped at the United Nations for the day on his way to Brazil.
United States' Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson (R) meets Japanese Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi (L) June 19, at the UN headquarters in New York. Mr. Obuchi stopped at the United Nations for the day on his way to Brazil.
AFP
US Energy secretary Bill Richardson testifies before the US Senate Armed Services Committee on June 23, 1999, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The committee is conducting hearings on security reforms at the Department of Energy in the wake of alleged espionage by China.
US Energy secretary Bill Richardson testifies before the US Senate Armed Services Committee on June 23, 1999, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The committee is conducting hearings on security reforms at the Department of Energy in the wake of alleged espionage by China.
CHRIS KLEPONIS, AFP
US Energy Secretary Bill Richardson listens to a question during hearings conducted by the House International Relations Committee on March 1, 2000, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Richardson said that high oil prices and low supplies threaten the world economy but remains optimistic that oil producers will agree to increase production.
US Energy Secretary Bill Richardson listens to a question during hearings conducted by the House International Relations Committee on March 1, 2000, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Richardson said that high oil prices and low supplies threaten the world economy but remains optimistic that oil producers will agree to increase production.
GEORGE BRIDGES, AFP
Presidential hopeful Bill Richardson talks with Cheryl Huett Thursday, July 19, 2007, at the Sparks Hometown Farmers Market in Sparks, Nev.
Presidential hopeful Bill Richardson talks with Cheryl Huett Thursday, July 19, 2007, at the Sparks Hometown Farmers Market in Sparks, Nev.
Liz Margerum, Reno Gazette-Journal
Democratic Presidential candidates Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., from left, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson participate in the “All-American Presidential Forums” on PBS, moderated by Tavis Smiley at Howard University in Washington on Thursday, June 28, 2007.
Democratic Presidential candidates Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., from left, and New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson participate in the “All-American Presidential Forums” on PBS, moderated by Tavis Smiley at Howard University in Washington on Thursday, June 28, 2007.
HEATHER WINES, GNS
Richardson laughs with Larry and Bonnie Van Halen of Pella. Bonnie said she had voted Republican all her life, but was leaning toward supporting Richardson. Democratic Presidential Candidate Bill Richardson on his "Football Watch Party" tour of SE Iowa. This is at his first stop of the day, Woody's Bar & Grill in Pella at 10 am New Year's morning.
Richardson laughs with Larry and Bonnie Van Halen of Pella. Bonnie said she had voted Republican all her life, but was leaning toward supporting Richardson. Democratic Presidential Candidate Bill Richardson on his "Football Watch Party" tour of SE Iowa. This is at his first stop of the day, Woody's Bar & Grill in Pella at 10 am New Year's morning.
Doug Wells, The Register - USA Today
Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson holds a conference call at the Richardson Center for Global Engagement in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson holds a conference call at the Richardson Center for Global Engagement in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Chris Kenning
New Mexico Gov., Bill Richardson walks to the podium during a press conference in the capital rotunda on Jan. 10, 2008, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Richardson formally announced his withdrawal from his bid for the U.S. presidency.
New Mexico Gov., Bill Richardson walks to the podium during a press conference in the capital rotunda on Jan. 10, 2008, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Richardson formally announced his withdrawal from his bid for the U.S. presidency.
Rick Scibelli, Getty Images
On day four of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson speaks to the crowed at Invesco Field on Aug. 28, 2008.
On day four of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson speaks to the crowed at Invesco Field on Aug. 28, 2008.
Pat Shannahan, USAT
In this file photo taken on April 15, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI (L) is seen shaking hands with former New Mexico governor and former US Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson (R) during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's square at the Vatican. The longtime US Democratic politician and global diplomat has died in his sleep at his home in Massachusetts at the age of 75 according to Mickey Bergman, the vice president of the Richardson Center.
In this file photo taken on April 15, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI (L) is seen shaking hands with former New Mexico governor and former US Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson (R) during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's square at the Vatican. The longtime US Democratic politician and global diplomat has died in his sleep at his home in Massachusetts at the age of 75 according to Mickey Bergman, the vice president of the Richardson Center.
OSSERVATORE ROMANO FRANCESCO SFO, VATICAN POOL/AFP Via Getty Image
Gov. Bill Richardson makes opening remarks Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at the Governor's Conference on Tourism at the Farmington, N.M. Civic Center. The governor spoke about the region's need to work with neighboring states to bring visitors, and the need to increase efforts to bring film crews to all areas of New Mexico.
Gov. Bill Richardson makes opening remarks Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at the Governor's Conference on Tourism at the Farmington, N.M. Civic Center. The governor spoke about the region's need to work with neighboring states to bring visitors, and the need to increase efforts to bring film crews to all areas of New Mexico.
Xavier Mascareas, AP
(L-R) Jonathan Franks, Steve Menzies, Taylor Dudley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson, Dudley's mother Shelley VanConant, and Richardson Center Executive Director Mickey Bergman pose for photographs during a news conference at the National Press Club one day after Richardson helped negotiate Dudley's release from prison in Kaliningrad, Russia, on Jan. 13, 2023, in Washington, DC. A 35-year-old U.S. Citizen and Navy veteran, Dudley traveled to Poland in April of 2022 to attend a music festival and was jailed after crossing the Russian border without proper documentation. Menzies founded the Steve Menzies Global Foundation and funded the logistics of bringing Dudley back home to the United States.
(L-R) Jonathan Franks, Steve Menzies, Taylor Dudley, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson, Dudley's mother Shelley VanConant, and Richardson Center Executive Director Mickey Bergman pose for photographs during a news conference at the National Press Club one day after Richardson helped negotiate Dudley's release from prison in Kaliningrad, Russia, on Jan. 13, 2023, in Washington, DC. A 35-year-old U.S. Citizen and Navy veteran, Dudley traveled to Poland in April of 2022 to attend a music festival and was jailed after crossing the Russian border without proper documentation. Menzies founded the Steve Menzies Global Foundation and funded the logistics of bringing Dudley back home to the United States.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
On day four of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in New Mexico, Governor Bill Richardson speaks on Aug. 28, 2023.
On day four of the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field in New Mexico, Governor Bill Richardson speaks on Aug. 28, 2023.
Sam Richie, USA Today
In this file photo taken on Jan. 7, 2013, former New Mexico Governor and former US Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson is seen speaking to the media at Beijing International airport in Beijing before his trip to North Korea. The longtime US Democratic politician and global diplomat has died in his sleep in his home in Massachusetts at the age of 75 according to Mickey Bergman, the vice president of the Richardson Center.
In this file photo taken on Jan. 7, 2013, former New Mexico Governor and former US Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson is seen speaking to the media at Beijing International airport in Beijing before his trip to North Korea. The longtime US Democratic politician and global diplomat has died in his sleep in his home in Massachusetts at the age of 75 according to Mickey Bergman, the vice president of the Richardson Center.
WANG ZHAO, AFP Via Getty Images
US journalist Danny Fenster (L), who was imprisoned in Myanmar, disembarks from an aircraft alongside former US diplomat Bill Richardson upon their arrival at Hamad International Airport in Qatar's capital, Doha on Nov. 15, 2021. Richardson, a veteran Democratic politician and former US ambassador to the United Nations who later spent decades negotiating the release of Americans detained around the world, has died at age 75, his associates said on Sept. 2, 2023. Richardson, who also served as governor of New Mexico and the US energy secretary, passed away peacefully in his sleep late Sep. 1, the Richardson Center for Global Engagement said in a statement.
US journalist Danny Fenster (L), who was imprisoned in Myanmar, disembarks from an aircraft alongside former US diplomat Bill Richardson upon their arrival at Hamad International Airport in Qatar's capital, Doha on Nov. 15, 2021. Richardson, a veteran Democratic politician and former US ambassador to the United Nations who later spent decades negotiating the release of Americans detained around the world, has died at age 75, his associates said on Sept. 2, 2023. Richardson, who also served as governor of New Mexico and the US energy secretary, passed away peacefully in his sleep late Sep. 1, the Richardson Center for Global Engagement said in a statement.
KARIM JAAFAR, AFP Via Getty Images
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