Dean Braces For Criticism Tonight

And Richardson thinks he is making inroads among Latinos.

"I think there will be some fireworks," said New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat who has not taken sides in the nine-way fight for the party's nomination.

He said Democrats would be better off if candidates focus their ire on President Bush, not each other, but he held out little hope for that.

"This is the opening bell of the campaign," Richardson said. "They'll come out swinging."

The 8 p.m. EDT debate will be broadcast on PBS and Univision with simultaneous Spanish translation, a nod to the rising influence of Hispanic voters. New Mexico has a large Hispanic population - about 42 percent - and an Hispanic governor in Richardson.

Interviewed in his Santa Fe office, Richardson said Dean is the candidate doing the best among New Mexico's Hispanic activists.