Kerry Has One Less Contender for Ticket

WASHINGTON â€”  New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson on Thursday took himself out of consideration to be Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kerry’s running mate, saying he wanted to fulfill his commitment to serve a full, four-year term as governor.

Richardson told Kerry of his decision in a phone conversation Thursday and followed that up with a letter, according to aides to both men.

Richardson was the only Latino repeatedly mentioned as one of Kerry’s possible picks, and his heritage was seen as a potential boon to Kerry’s chances of carrying the swing states of Florida, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada.

But two associates, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Richardson, 56, recently became skeptical about his prospects of being picked for the Democratic ticket and expressed concern that his name was being floated so it would appear that Kerry was seriously considering selecting a Latino.

Because of that, he was reluctant to participate in the vetting process, the associates said.

But an aide to Richardson said the governor, who met with Kerry for two hours in Phoenix on Tuesday, wanted to fulfill his promise to serve out his term.

The Kerry campaign would not comment on Richardson’s reported concerns.

Campaign spokesman David Wade said, “John Kerry has the utmost respect for Bill Richardson as a friend and a leader in New Mexico and for our nation.�

Richardson’s withdrawal came amid heightened speculation about Kerry’s vice presidential decision, which could be made public as early as next week. The vice presidential contenders are thought to be Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri and Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack. But few -- only a handful of family members and advisors -- have been privy to Kerry’s thinking.