A Watts And Richardson Lovefest?

It could have been the environment, the Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock, or the brash frankness of an ex-politician.

But former Rep. J. C. Watts, once the House GOP's main communicator and a sometimes entry on Republican vice presidential lists, fessed up at the University of Arkansas last month that he likes Democratic New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson in the 2008 presidential race.

"Personally, I'm a Bill Richardson fan," he admits. "I think he has the Bill Clinton touch with people."

By Paul Bedard