Politics | Bill Richardson Clinton Camp 'Ticked Me Off': Richardson NM governor backed Obama after Hillary got aggressive By Kevin Spak Posted Apr 12, 2008 3:34 PM CDT Copied New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, accompanied by Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., speaks at news conference in Portland, Ore., Friday, March 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Bill Richardson says negative ads and arm-twisting phone calls from the Clinton camp pushed him to back Barack Obama last month, the Los Angeles Times reports. The New Mexico governor, labeled a "Judas" after supporting Obama, says he almost backed Hillary until her "3 a.m." ads came out—and Clintonites called saying he owed her support. "That really ticked me off," he said. Obama, by contrast, called personally every few days, and the two became friends. “I saw real growth in the guy,” said Richardson, a former member of Bill Clinton's cabinet. He also contends that he did not betray the Clintons. “I was loyal,” he said. “But I don’t think that loyalty is transferable to his wife. You don’t transfer loyalty to a dynasty.” Read These Next Melinda French Gates reacts to her ex showing up in new Epstein files. Sarah Ferguson said she cut off Epstein. Not quite, emails show. The voice behind 'Joy to the World' has died at 83. Turning Point reveals lineup for its alternative halftime show. Report an error