Richardson Says He Will Stop Using Name Of Marine

Sunday, May 27th 2007, 3:05 pm

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Presidential hopeful Bill Richardson said Sunday he will stop using the name of Marine from New Mexico who was killed in Iraq and whose story the Democratic governor has recounted while campaigning.

Richardson has told how he attended a memorial service three years ago for Lance Cpl. Aaron Austin, 21, who was killed in April 2004. The governor said Austin's mother, De'on Miller of Lovington, N.M., thanked him for the federal death benefits she had received.

Miller says the conversation about money never took place.

Richardson, who said the conversation inspired him to ask the New Mexico Legislature for a now-passed death benefit for members of the state's National Guard, was asked in a broadcast interview whether he would stop citing Austin and Miller.

``Yes, I will. I will do that. But we just have different recollections ... That family is honorable. I attended that service. I was really moved,'' Richardson said.

Richardson had proposed a $250,000 death benefit for New Mexico soldiers, an amount that later was increased to $400,000.

``I respect that woman. I will not mention it again,'' he said.