Brownback Touts Conservative Values

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton signs copies of the her book "It Takes a Village" in New York, Monday, Dec. 18, 2006. The book has recently been reissued in a 10th anniversary edition with a new introduction. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) (Seth Wenig - AP)

Reynaldo Martinez, a former chief of staff to Nevada's Reid, issued a statement saying he leads a committee of 70 people who want Richardson to enter Democratic race, which kicks off in January 2008 with caucuses in Iowa and Nevada.

"We call on Governor Richardson to run for president," Martinez said, providing a list of supporters he said included blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans, "significant Democratic Party activists" and environmentalists.

It was unclear if Martinez made the request directly to Richardson.

Neither Martinez nor a spokesman for Richardson in New Mexico immediately responded to telephone messages seeking comment. Theresa Navarro of Reno, a member of the committee, declined comment and referred calls to Martinez.

Reid spokesman Jon Summers said Martinez' previous work for Reid should not suggest that Reid is backing Richardson.

"The senator has said several times he won't endorse anyone in the primary because he wants every candidate to come to Nevada on a level playing field," Summers said.

The Democratic National Committee this year made Nevada the second state to hold a presidential nomination contest, putting it after the Iowa caucuses and before the New Hampshire primary.

Richardson _ a two-term governor and former U.N. ambassador and congressman _ has said he expects to make a decision on the 2008 race in January.

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NEW YORK (AP) _ Call Kobe Bryant an undecided voter.

Appearing with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and a dozen fellow NBA players at a holiday food giveaway in Harlem, the Los Angeles Lakers star said he was interested in a potential Clinton presidential candidacy but wasn't ready to commit.

"I'm a firm believer that if you have a dream and if you want to accomplish something, go for it 110 percent," Bryant told reporters.

Clinton has said she would disclose her political plans early next year.

Asked which candidate he'd support for president in 2008, Bryant said it was too early to decide.

"I follow it just like everyone else. I'll see how it comes out in the wash," he said.

The event, sponsored by Feed the Children, provided 80,000 pounds of food to 10,000 families.

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Associated Press writers Ken Ritter in Las Vegas and Beth Fouhy in New York contributed to this story.