WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico announced on Sunday he was taking the first step toward a 2008 presidential bid that would make him the first Hispanic to sit in the White House.

"I am seeking the nomination because I believe I can do the job," Richardson, 59, told ABC's "This Week."

Richardson, who was elected to a second term last year after a long career in Washington jobs, said he planned a campaign focused on a broad array of issues, not just those affecting the Latino community.

"I wouldn't run as a Hispanic candidate. I would run as an American proud to be Hispanic," Richardson said.

Richardson entered a growing field of people running for the Democratic nomination. To underscore his status as an underdog in the race, his announcement competed on the Sunday news shows by talk of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton announcing her own exploratory committee on Saturday.

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