Happier times? Richardson and Clinton campaigning
in Iowa last year. (Photo by Tom Harkin/Flickr

Gov. Bill Richardson will host two fundraisers in New Mexico next month to help Hillary Clinton retire the debt from her unsuccessful presidential campaign.

 

Clinton will attend both fundraisers, which will be held in Santa Fe and Albuquerque on Aug. 17, according to a news release from Richardson. Both events are invitation-only.

 

Clinton’s campaign debt was $25.2 million at the end of June.

 

Many Clinton supporters were furious that Richardson, a former Cabinet secretary and U.N. ambassador in the administration of Clinton’s husband, endorsed Barack Obama in the primary. Richardson’s endorsement had been heavily sought by both candidates, and Clinton supporter James Carville compared him to Judas after he sided with Obama.

 

Richardson and Clinton have apparently put that behind them.

 

“Gov. Richardson’s efforts reinforce Sen. Obama’s commitment to unifying the Democratic Party and assisting Sen. Clinton’s effort to retire her campaign debt,” Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in the release from Richardson.

 

“Sen. Clinton is grateful for Gov. Richardson’s and Sen. Obama’s efforts to assist with retiring her campaign debt, and she is looking forward to continuing to campaign for Sen. Obama and help ensure victory for Democrats throughout the country this fall,” Clinton spokeswoman Kathleen Strand said in the release.

 

The Santa Fe fundraiser will be held at the home of Dave Contarino, who managed Richardson’s unsuccessful run for president and is a former chief of staff in his office. The Albuquerque fundraiser will be held at the home of New Mexico racetrack owner Paul Blanchard.

 

Richardson and Lt. Gov. Diane Denish will serve as hosts for the day, according to the news release.