The Champ

Gov. Joe Manchin earned a mention in a Sunday profile of Bill Richardson, New Mexico governor and 2008 Democratic presidential contender.

The Albuquerque Journal quotes Manchin praising Richardson's leadership as chairman of the Democratic Governors Association.

"Bill took us to a whole new level ... brought it all together," Manchin says in the article. "I think the people of West Virginia need to be introduced to Bill Richardson."

The Journal also recounts how Manchin showed his and the DGA's appreciation during a December event in Washington, D.C.

The article said Manchin "hushed the crowd at the holiday reception and gave Richardson a red boxing glove autographed by Muhammad Ali.

"Bill has been our champ," Manchin told the partygoers. "One champ to another."