NYTimes: (reg. req.)

Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico jumped into the 2008 presidential race today, announcing that he had formed a campaign exploratory committee in order to seek the Democratic nomination.

"I am taking this step because we have to repair the damage that's been done to our country over the last six years," Mr. Richardson said in a statement. "Our reputation in the world is diminished, our economy has languished, and civility and common decency in government has perished."

He highlighted his experience, from United Nations ambassador to state governor, as making him uniquely positioned to tackle a range of international and domestic tasks, from getting American troops out of Iraq to improving the economy and energy independence.

"I can bring this country together," he said on "This Week" on ABC. "I'm a negotiator. I've brought countries together closer on peace treaties. I've rescued Americans, hostages and servicemen."

"What we have right now is an opportunity to deal with major issues that really are dividing this country," he said.