Via CNN’s Political Ticker, is word of a new poll that puts Richardson ahead (within the margin of error) of Edwards in New Hampshire. Third place, in other words.
This is being reported, predictably, as part of a slip by Edwards. And it is; Edwards’ campaign has had some weird problems, even though he’s obviously a capable, thoughtful candidate. But Edwards’ slipping is also coming at a time when the Governor is rising in New Hampshire. He now regularly polls in the double digits; he was the only candidate to spend the Fourth of July in New Hampshire; and his upward-sloping polling position is no doubt very encouraging to the campaign.
He’s building momentum, in short. The Richardson who promised to “out-work anyone” at the start of the campaign has demonstrated he’s serious about it. I don’t know about you, but I’m getting fatigued with endless stories about Clinton and Obama’s fundraising numbers (which are duly impressive); like, apparently, more and more New Hampshire voters, I’m looking for the candidate with the vision and experience to run the country on Day One. Can you imagine–after six more months of the Governor making his case for competence and six more months of media pie-fights about fundraising–how many more New Hampshirites, and how many more Iowans, and how many more Nevadans and South Carolinians and Americans all across the country, will be ready to make the same choice you and I have?