PORTLAND- Sen. Barack Obama’s speech responding to Rev. Wright’s comments on race seems to have made up the minds of a number of Oregonians, and a Governor from New Mexico.

As Gov. Bill Richardson took the stage with Sen. Barack Obama, the crowd stood and would not quiet (or sit) down.

Richardson, heavily wooed by both campaigns, made his out-of- New Mexico-Obama debut to a shoulder to shoulder Portland audience.

The Gov. echoed the sentiments of many standing the crowd outside, when praising Obama’s “historic speech, [in which he] addressed the issue of race with sincerity and optimism.”

“He inspired us by reminding us of awesome potential residing in our own responsibility,” Richardson said.

Richardson, a Hispanic-American, was “particularly touched” by the speech.

“He is a courageous, thoughtful leader who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand. After eight years of George W. Bush, we desperately need that kind of leader,” Richardson said.