The University Book Store welcomed presidential candidate Gov. Bill Richardson, D-N.M., on Tuesday, who made the appearance to promote the release of his new book, “Leading by Example: How We Can Inspire an Energy and Security Revolution.”

The book, released in October, goes in depth on Richardson’s plan to disengage the Unites States’ dependency on foreign oil while implementing cutting-edge sustainable energy practices. Richardson made it clear during his introduction that the next president must take an active stance on environmental issues and become savvy when dealing with energy conservation.

“This book is about presidential leadership to make our economy green and to make the shift from fossil fuels,” Richardson said.

Richardson is something of an underdog in the Democratic primary race. According to a poll published by The Des Moines Register, Richardson held 8 percent of Democratic support in Iowa at the end of October, good for fourth place behind Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., former Sen. John Edwards D-N.C., and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

But Richardson was not discouraged by the numbers.

“Dark horses come from behind and are underdogs,” Richardson said. “I feel that Iowa likes underdogs; they like scrappers that go grassroots and visit all the small towns. I don’t mind being the dark horse, as long as on caucus night I finish in the top three.”

Amy DeLashmutt, marketing director for the University Book Store, said having a book-signing by someone as prominent as Richardson is a great opportunity for the university.

“It’s always an honor to have somebody like Bill Richardson here,” DeLashmutt said. “We’re really happy that we could make this happen. It was a great event to coordinate.”

After signing his way through a snaking line in the back of the bookstore, Richardson fielded individual questions and stated his thoughts on his candidacy.

“I feel good,” Richardson said. “The good news is that Iowans make up their minds in the end and I’m counting on that during our final push here.”