The Boston Observer, in a recent piece on Richardson, contends that he was a Nixon apologist until the bitter end. The article quotes Nixon Administration staffer Charles Colson as saying of Richardson, "When we needed somebody to say George McGovern was a scatterbrain, Elliot went right our and swatted him."
Yet, friends--and aides say that Richardson's "Saturday Night Massacre" legacy is the one most firmly implanted in voters' minds, and the one that gives him credibility with Bay State independents and moderates.
But Richardson himself notes that the Cox incident may hurt him in the nomination fight, especially with ultra-conservative party regulars.
The candidate's relaxed confidence may have good cause. In recent polls he runs well ahead of Shamie and his Democratic rivals, and he has been a well, known figure state-wide since some of his opponents were finishing college.
Even if he does nothing but chat over salad. Richardson will be the force to contend with in this crucial Senate election.
Richardson promises he will play politics with all comers, adding, "I've always been a good counter-puncher."