From the Albuquerque Tribune & AP:

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson ended his campaign for the presidency Wednesday after twin fourth-place finishes that showed his impressive credentials could not compete with his rivals’ star power.

Richardson planned to announce the decision Thursday, according to two people close to the governor with knowledge of the decision. They spoke on a condition of anonymity in advance of the governor’s announcement.

The Richardson campaign would not comment on the governor’s decision, reached after a meeting with his top advisers Wednesday in New Mexico.

It’s not a big surprise after his single-digit showings in Iowa and New Hampshire. As I said earlier, he will probably be considered as a strong contender for vice president (and apparently the voters of New Hampshire agree), or Secretary of State.

In a way I envy him. He gets to go back to Santa Fe, hit the slopes at the Ski Basin, and order up some huevos rancheros at Maria’s Mexican Kitchen.