Lee Iacocca Praises Governor Richardson's Experience in New "Guts" Ad

Lee Iacocca Praises Governor Richardson's Experience in New "Guts" Ad
For Immediate Release
December 12, 2007
Contact: Tom Reynolds


SANTA FE, NM-- The Richardson for President campaign today went up with a new ad in New Hampshire entitled "Guts." The ad features former Ford President and Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca, who recently endorsed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for President.

Click here to see the ad and background materials.

"I spent a lot of years as a CEO, and I am looking for a President with experience creating jobs and the guts to lead," Iacocca says in the ad. "And that is Bill Richardson. As a Governor, he turned his state's economy around by focusing on the jobs of tomorrow, like clean energy. He has balanced budgets, negotiated with foreign leaders, and he never gives up."

"New Hampshire voters want a tested leader in the Oval Office," campaign manager Dave Contarino said. "This ad shows that Governor Richardson's experience and record set him apart from the rest of the field. Lee Iacocca and Bill Richardson have a lot in common-- they are both proven leaders who always are on the lookout for innovation and are not afraid of taking bold action."

Governor Richardson's record on economic development is unparalleled in the Democratic field. Over 80,000 more New Mexicans are working since he took office, and many of these new jobs are in burgeoning sectors such as renewable energy. Richardson also has invested in education by raising teacher pay every year in office and has cut taxes for working families.

"A business legend like Lee Iacocca only would vouch for a candidate who knows how to fix our economy," Richardson said. "I am proud that he is placing that faith in me, and this ad is a reflection of that sentiment. As President, I will take every American's job as seriously as I do my own. Once again, we will make our economy work for middle-class Americans."

The ad was produced by Steve Murphy and Mark Putnam of Murphy Putnam Media.

Lee Iacocca Biography:

Lee Iacocca is the founder of the Iacocca Foundation for diabetes research. A graduate of Lehigh University with a master's degree from Princeton University, he began his career at Ford Motor Company as an engineer but moved to sales shortly thereafter. Iacocca's innovative approach to the automotive industry led to his becoming President of Ford in 1970.

After a seven-year stint, he moved to Chrysler Corporation and became CEO at a time when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. By taking short-term loans from the federal government and shifting the company's inventory to more fuel-efficient models, Iacocca had Chrysler turning record profits within six years. Since his retirement as CEO in 1992, Iacocca has been active in philanthropic projects around the world.

His new book, entitled Where Have All the Leaders Gone?, cites how President Bush lacks the basic components of good leadership and gives him an "F" grade for leadership. In contrast, Iacocca praises Governor Richardson's experience in government and lends credence to his Presidential candidacy.


Paid for by Richardson for President, Inc.