The odds of a tsunami hitting New Mexico are about one in five million. The odds of winning the New Mexico lottery, one in ten million. The odds of two Tufts grads competing in a New Mexico gubernatorial primary? Virtually impossible. But fact can be stranger than fiction. Bill Richardson and Ray Powell - both Tufts alums - will compete this June in New Mexico's democratic primary.
Both candidates studied at Tufts, but this is the first time that their paths have crossed. Bill Richardson earned a B.A. from Tufts in 1970, and then went on to receive his Master's degree from the Fletcher School in 1971. After serving as a New Mexico congressman for 14 years, Richardson was appointed as ambassador to the UN in 1996. Two years later, he got the tap from then-President Bill Clinton to become the nation's first Hispanic Energy Secretary, where he served for the remainder of Clinton's administration.
Richardson will compete against several democratic candidates on June 4, one who is none other than Ray Powell, a graduate of the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine.
Powell's resume is also impressive. After earning undergraduate and Master's degrees from the University of New Mexico, Powell received his doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts in 1985, with a focus in wildlife rehabilitation. He has served as New Mexico's Commissioner of Public Lands for the past nine years. Prior to that post, Powell served as a special assistant to Governor Bruce King, where he was responsible for issues involving the environment, natural resources, health, and recreation. He also continues to practice veterinary medicine.
Both men have had strong reputations with Tufts, and administrators were eager to praise the two contenders.
"Bill Richardson has been a wonderful friend of Tufts," Dean of the Arts and Sciences Susan Ernst said. Richardson has spoken at Tufts several times, and as recently as last year. Ernst described Richardson's speech last year as "excellent." Tufts students also honored Richardson as the recipient of the "Light on the Hill" award in 1995. The award recognizes outstanding Tufts alumni.
Powell, the sole alumnus ever to speak at a Veterinary School commencement, is held in similar esteem by members of University administration. Dr. Philip Kosch, Dean of the Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine, believes that the non-traditional courses offered at the vet school, such as public policy classes, opened Powell's eyes to bigger possibilities than private practice.
"The unique educational experience that Powell had at Tufts Veterinary School prepared him to make a difference in overseeing New Mexico's wildlife and management," Kosch said.
According to Kosch, Powell has said that Tufts gave him the confidence he needed to enter state politics, and credits the University with preparing him for the future.
The candidates' will bring their varied experiences to each campaign. With a focus on education, Richardson hopes to invigorate the faltering New Mexican school system. Powell will most likely continue with the environmental focus that has been the cornerstone of his career. He may also take on health insurance and poverty.
New Mexico political pundit F. Chris Garcia shared his thoughts on the election with Tufts' e-News. "The political caliber of Richardson and Powell will likely result in one of the most interesting elections in the state's recent history," Garcia said.
The showdown has brought the University's name into the public eye. Ernst praises Tufts for preparing its students for successful careers after they leave the Hill.
"Tufts is already well-known," Ernst said. "However, one of the things that makes us an excellent institution is what our alumni continue to do with their education. We're very excited about this." Kosch feels that Richardson and Powell's careers serve as models for future Tufts graduates.
"These men serve as inspiration for our current students," Kosch said.
Freshman Hollen Spatz, who heard Richardson speak earlier this year, described him as inspirational. "Listening to Richardson made a professional career after Tufts seem more accessible," he said.
Ernst echoes the impressiveness the election poses for the University.
"How often do you get two alumni as contenders for governor?" Ernst asks.
In the history of Tufts, never. And no matter what the outcome, the 2002 democratic primary for governor of New Mexico will prove interesting. At the very least, it serves as one distinctive example of what the future can bring for Tufts graduates.
