Who Is Bill Richardson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Bill Richardson was born on November 15, 1947, which made him 76 years old at the time of his passing in 2023. An influential figure in American politics, he served as the Governor of New Mexico and made a name for himself in various roles including U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Secretary of Energy.
Richards' life story is characterized by his commitment to public service and his ability to facilitate international diplomacy.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 15, 1947 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Pasadena, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 1 September, 2023 |
| Died Place | Chatham, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Popularity
Bill Richardson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details regarding Bill Richardson's physical attributes include:
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Weight: Estimated around 160 lbs (72 kg)
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Bill Richardson was married to Barbara Richardson. The couple shared a strong bond and supported each other's endeavors throughout their lives. They had three children: Heather, Adam, and Elizabeth Richardson. There are no public records of any extramarital affairs, and he was known for being a devoted family man.
He grew up in the borough of Coyoacán in Mexico City. His father, William Blaine Richardson Jr. (1891–1972), who was of Anglo-American and Mexican descent, was an American bank executive from Boston who worked in Mexico for what is now Citibank.
Net Worth and Salary
Before his death in 2023, Bill Richardson had a net worth estimated at around $5 million. His wealth primarily came from his extensive career in politics, consultancy, and various speaking engagements. Richardson's positions in government were complemented by lucrative roles in the private sector, especially in regards to trade and diplomacy.
Richardson was elected governor of New Mexico in November 2002, having defeated the Republican nominee, John Sanchez, 56–39%. During the campaign, he set a Guinness World Record for most handshakes in eight hours by a politician, breaking Theodore Roosevelt's record. He succeeded a two-term Republican governor, Gary Johnson.
He took office in January 2003 as the only Hispanic Governor in the United States. In his first year, Richardson proposed "tax cuts to promote growth and investment" and passed a broad personal income tax cut and won a statewide special election to transfer money from the state's Permanent Fund to meet current expenses and projects.
In early 2005, Richardson helped make New Mexico the first state in the nation to provide $400,000 in life insurance coverage for New Mexico National Guard members who serve on active duty. Thirty-five states have since followed suit.
Career, Business and Investments
Bill Richardson's career spanned decades, showcasing a diverse portfolio of roles:
- U.S. Congressman (1983-1997)
- Secretary of Energy (1998-2001)
- Governor of New Mexico (2003-2011)
- U.N. Ambassador
In December 2008, Richardson was nominated for the cabinet-level position of Secretary of Commerce in the first Obama administration but withdrew a month later, as he was being investigated for possible improper business dealings.
Although the investigation was later dropped, it damaged Richardson's popularity and diminished his influence as his second and final term as New Mexico governor concluded.
Social Network
Bill Richardson was active on several social media platforms, where he shared insights about politics, diplomacy, and social issues. He had a significant following on:
The Senate confirmed Richardson to be Clinton's Secretary of Energy on July 31, 1998. His tenure at the Department of Energy was marred by the Wen Ho Lee nuclear controversy.
As told by The New York Times in a special report, a scientist later named as Lee at the Los Alamos National Laboratory was reported as a suspect who might have given nuclear secrets to the People's Republic of China government.
The article mentioned Richardson several times, although he denied in sworn testimony that he was the source or that he made improper disclosures. After being fired and spending nine months in solitary confinement as an alleged security risk, Lee was later cleared of espionage charges and released with an apology from the judge.
Eventually, Lee won a $1.6 million settlement against the federal government and several news outlets, including the Times and The Washington Post, for the accusation.
Richardson was also criticized by the United States Senate for his handling of the espionage inquiry, which involved missing computer hard drives containing sensitive data, and for not testifying in front of Congress sooner. Richardson justified his response by saying that he was waiting to uncover more information before speaking to Congress.
Republican Senators called for Richardson's resignation, while both parties criticized his role in the incident, and the scandal ended Richardson's hope of being named as Al Gore's running mate for the 2000 presidential election.
Education
Richardson graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. His education paved the way for a distinguished career in international relations and politics. He was known for his articulate speeches and informed opinions, which traces back to his strong academic foundation.
After college, Richardson worked for Republican Congressman F. Bradford Morse from Massachusetts from 1971 to 1973. In 1974, he left to work on congressional relations for the Kissinger State Department during the Nixon administration. Between 1976 and 1978 he was a staff member for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
