Richardson Raising Money to Retire Debt

Gov. Bill Richardson is gone from the Democratic presidential race, but he's still raising money: to retire a campaign debt.

His campaign e-mailed supporters Tuesday with an appeal for money.

"Will you please make one final contribution to my campaign so we can officially 'zero out' that debt," said the governor's request.

Richardson has said he raised about $22 million for his campaign.

Amanda Cooper, who was Richardson's deputy campaign manager, said no debt figure would be released until the campaign filed a report with the Federal Election Commission at the end of the month. The report will disclose contributions and expenditures during the final three months of 2007, and reflect the campaign's finances through the end of the year.

Because Richardson's fundraising is for the presidency, his latest appeal does not violate a state ban on campaign fundraising during the legislative session.

State law prohibits lobbyists from giving money to the governor and gubernatorial candidates from Jan. 1 through the 20th day after adjournment of the Legislature. State law also prohibits the governor from soliciting contributions during that time.

Federal law governs fundraising for the presidency, according to state Attorney General Gary King's office.