Bill Richardson Hosts Clooney, Spacey And More For Dinner

SANTA FE, N.M. — Gov. Bill Richardson hosted a star-studded dinner party last weekend to thank moviemakers and celebrities, including George Clooney, Kevin Spacey and Paul Sorvino, for shooting films in the state.

Clooney and Spacey have been in New Mexico filming the action-comedy "The Men Who Stare at Goats." Sorvino has been working on "Doc West," a feature-length film for Italian television that is shooting around Santa Fe.

Other guests included Grant Heslov, director of "The Men Who Stare at Goats," and Mary McCormack, star of the Universal Network Television series "In Plain Sight," which is filming around Albuquerque.

The stars joined members of New Mexico's arts and business communities _ including actress Ali MacGraw, a local resident _ for a main course of grilled beef filet and Guinness cake for dessert.

Richardson, a second-term Democrat who is expected to be named Commerce Secretary by President-elect Barack Obama, has pushed filmmaking as an economic development tool in New Mexico.

Lured by hefty financial incentives and the availability of production facilities and technical crews, more than 110 feature films and television series have been shot in the state, earning it the nickname "Tamalewood."

This year's Oscar-winning "No Country for Old Men" _ based on the novel by Santa Fe resident Cormac McCarthy _ was shot almost entirely in New Mexico. Three other films made here _ "3:10 to Yuma," "In the Valley of Elah" and "Transformers" _ also nabbed Oscar nominations.

Richardson likes to welcome moviemakers at the mansion as a way of thanking them for their contribution, said Eric Witt, the governor's entertainment adviser.

"That kind of personal touch really helps us in terms of recruiting return projects," Witt said. "It's very impressive to production executives ... also to the key talent, that the chief executive of the state cares that much and is that accessible and that available to projects."

And the good feelings are apparently mutual.

Witt said Sorvino _ a sculptor and opera singer in addition to being a noted film and television actor _ thanked the governor for his hospitality and burst into song, regaling the dinner crowd with Italian arias.

"It was totally spontaneous," the aide said.

Comments

[RadhaColalurver]

When is Obama announcing him as Commerce Secretary?

[norwouldi]

You go get 'em Bill!! I am all for Governors in the United States encouraging job activity for those of us who could use it in their states. Instead of kissing butt to the companies that have decided to railroad their businesses out of state due to "cost cutting". Any industry that encourages jobs is okay by me. Especially living in Ohio where we have dealt with some of the worst job losses in the past eight years due to the nearsightness and apparent stupidity of one Governor Taft that just didn't care or "just didn't get it". All you have to look up is the BWC "Coingate" Scandal that ripped through our state back in 2005 and opened alot of eyes. Now our new Governor has to pick up all the pieces. And I am sure he will... (And I reached for the sky on November 4 when Ohio turned Blue!!!) Finally!!!

[Agentlady007]

How nice!

[LMPE]

Where was Shirley MacLaine? She lives in New Mexico. Maybe, like Bugs Bunny, she missed that left turn at Albuquerque!

[Agentlady007]

You don't know her schedule.

[alifilee]

Forget about these actors, Gov. Richardson, you promised you would shave off that silly and annoying beard; what are you waiting for. And you need to loose about 50 lbs. it looks like you busting out of your suits; how about it, sir?
Doesn't look good your hanging out with Hollywood, when this country is hurting real bad, sir.

[devadasi]

That silly and annoying beard? What the hell do you care alifilee whether a man chooses to wear a beard or not......get a freakin life! N. Mexico needs Hollywood's monies, since N. Mexico is the poorest state in the union.

[newpantaloons]

Exactly! Bill Richardson is the best thing to happen to New Mexico in a long, long time. He has energized the job markets in New Mexico to the tune of millions of new jobs and thousands of companies moving to New Mexico. He has taken the energy crisis and turned the state into an alternative energy mecca. I would call that major entreprenurial genius. I read the other day, that the economic downturn in the U. S., because of his efforts, will not hurt New Mexico much at all. He has positioned the state very well. So, the fact he has a beard is irrelevent; the fact he is "hanging out with Hollywood" is testiment to his entreprenurial power as a governor of a 'poor' state that is getting on it's feet through hard work, discipline, and a forward thinking governor. I think Obama would do very well putting Richardson in his cabinet as Commerce Secretary. It would certainly be a loss for New Mexico.

[ailbhe]

How about spending that money on feeding the homeless or helping the poor in these hard times rather than wasting it on wealthy celebrities.

[3fingerbrown]

A big Hollywood production crew is a small army of well-paid people visiting your state, spending money and paying taxes and fees for several weeks. We have to presume that some of the revenue the production generates for the state goes to programs devoted to the poor and homeless. The cost of an occasional banquet is a small price to pay.

[cblcar]

Those wealthy celebrities bring jobs to NM when they film there. JOBS! And most of those jobs go to the middle class, if there is such a thing anymore. The film crews spend money in hotels and restaurants which, in turn, allows those businesses to keep on paying their employees in this age of massive layoffs. When people have jobs they can then contribute to charities who feed the homeless and help the poor. Everyone benefits.

[rasputin999]

"Gee what a night
All those stars somehow it don't seem right
People losing homes, left and right
But they don't care
Oh, what a night!

[devadasi]

why don't you take a cue from the Obamas ailbhe.....did you stuff your face on thanksgiving or did you did you serve thanksgiving dinner at a soup kitchen?

[Seattlelite]

Lots of nasty comments on here about Gov. Richardson, funny everyone seemed to love him when he endorsed O instead of Hillary. Amazing how fickle people can be.

[ignorantwillyharper]

He probably just knows Hillary better than we do.

[newpantaloons]

Mostly right wing trolls who are jealous of the outcome of the election.

[magicmary]

Richardson should bring Albuquerque into the 21st century before he moves on to do anything else for the fed, IMHO. As much as I love all the stuff here that's "groovy", as a civic environment it is the worst place I've ever lived. Can't leave at the moment but can't wait till that day comes. Commuting is awful, the Rail Runner doesn't do me a bit of good, there are strip malls and really really bad drivers here. Neighborhoods are rotting, sprawl is out of control. The entire civic environment needs flipped. Nob hill, downtown, old town and a few other little pockets here and there are okay and I would be seriousl depressed without the Flying Star but come on... There's a rebellious spirit here that I think keeps the city back which is really unfortunate. Give people a tax break to fix the facades of their butt ugly strip malls at least!

[Firenze]

Um, you can't expect a Governor to totally transform your living environment. Sounds like you need to move!
Signed,
Fellow Albuquerque Resident

[macintoshsauce]

There is a reason why they call New Mexico the Land of Mañana. :) I live in Albuquerque and cannot stand this ass-backwards place they call a city.

Governor Richardson should follow through on his promise to pay all starting teachers $40,000 a year like he said during the primaries. Starting at $30,000 a year is a slap in the face to teachers that have to undergo professional testing in order to become a teacher. Engineers, nurses, doctors undergo the same kind of testing - they get paid more. Why not teachers? Set an example Gov. Richardson - bring New Mexico from the bottom of the list of starting salaries to the Top 10.

BTW, the drivers here are stupid. My wife is from California and she can't stand these morons on the road.

"Groovy?" What? Sand in your teeth every time the wind whips up? Yeah, real groovy. :-/

[Scarlet57]

I grew up in the southwest and now live in upstate NY...Looking out the window all I see is gray skies, mud and dirty snow --- Sand blowing around sounds so, so good to me :)

[newpantaloons]

Well Mac, why don't you just get the hell out if it's such a horrible place to live? Everybody is going through a tough time in America right now, so quit your bitchin'! New Mexico is a beautiful and up-and-coming state, with gorgeous scenery, great weather, and a forward thinking governor. Things do not change overnight, and if you are a schoolteacher, then I would expect you to have above average intelligence, but all you seem to be able to muster is complaining! I wouldn't want someone with your attitude teaching my kids! Quit complaining and get out and do something to make your community a better place or move!

[Seattlelite]

You could be living in New Orleans in ward 5 every thought about that?

[Oldbuck]

Sounds like Mary is probably from north of the Maison-Dixon line the Desert is different Albuquerque is a quaint southwestern city and most of the people are the nicest politest people you will ever meet thanks to its Mexican American heritage.

[pir anha]

thank you for making me google "guiness cake". i know what i'll be baking next. :)

[dubster]

I'm still irate that he was circumvented for the selection of secretary of state by selecting that closet neocon Clinton. Although, this just illustrates how competent he would be as secretary of commerce. However, I want him to scoff at this new position and say thanks but no thanks for the lack of deference he was given in terms of the appointment of Clinton for secretary of state. I begrudge President-elect Obama for this.

[MPeter]

As Secretary of Commerce, he will closely work with President Obama and the economic recovry team. He will be here, not out there, where Hillary, the one person who, if kept here at home, might be tempted to undermine the President, will be globe-trotting, promoting a messaging carefully crafted by a smart Foreign policy team, watched by VP Biden!!!!

Don't be miffed, the Governor will be a close confidant of the President, helping put our economy back on track. Plus, he understands what Latino Americans who voted for him and for the President in such large numbers need!

[JDJase]

Bill Richardson is not a very intelligent person. That's all there is to it. Most of his successes have been fully coincidental, "right place at the right time." The only reason he wanted to be SOS in the first place was for a resume builder so he can run for prez again

[dubster]

Not intelligent? How was he excepted at one of most selective, oldest, and prestigious universities in the land - Tuffts University - by being a dimwit? Certainly Not. And how was he an adjunct professor at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government if he's such a fool?

Right place at the right time? Have you seen his resume? So according to your logic he was in the "right place and time" for: Two terms as a successful governor; secretary of energy; UN Ambassador; 14 years in Congress; Roving diplomat and globe-trotting trouble shooter negotiating the release of hostages, American servicemen, and political prisoners; securing a seize fire in Darfur; and nominated five times for the nobel peace prize. He was in the right place and right time for ALL OF THOSE THINGS? Do you really believe that?

[newpantaloons]

Looks like you're in the 'wrong place' at the 'wrong time'. And...as for appearing intelligent, well that doesn't seem to be working for you either.

[serindipity803]

This is only the beginning - better to start in the cabinet than replace someone down the road.

[23000Days]

Whether we like it or not, Hillary, by stature and deed, had right of first refusal on SOS.

[Firenze]

Exactly.

[macbabe]

I really love Govenor Richardson, and wish GREAT things for him!

[UnstuckInTime]

His cheeks are getting even larger. Did he leave any food for the guests?

[dubster]

That's funny. (That's me being sarcastic)

[UnstuckInTime]

FYI, sarcasm sucks if you have to explain that you're being sarcastic.

[callmemara]

grow up!

[inthedesert]

Aren't Clooney and Spacey both gay?? That pic of Spacey totally drunk playing with a guy's butt was truly eye opening........I think Clooney and Pitt are actually a daddy/boy combo....wow, poor Angie.

[JDJase]

wow, thanks for the insight! (sarcasm)

[Firenze]

Accusing people of being gay? I mean, really, are you in 6th grade?

[Clare53]

"Eye opening?" What the eff does that mean? What does being gay have to do with anything?

[Clavis]

Yeah, Clooney's totally gay. At least, that's what I heard from the dozens of beautiful women with whom he has had sex.

Oh, wait, not "gay". "Rich".

[myfatherschild]

Enjoy your Thanksgiving, Govenor Richardson!

[chrissy22]

he should name bill as secretary of state forgot the hillary drama