WASHINGTON (CNN) -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson played down his relatively low name recognition in the Democratic presidential field Monday, arguing that history indicates voters prefer to elect former governors to the White House.

"I do believe that America has traditionally turned to governors to win the presidency, and I believe they turn to those that can handle issues like national security and don't need any on the job training," Richardson told reporters on the same day he formally filed presidential exploratory papers with the Federal Elections Committee.

Richardson also indicated he will campaign on a strong anti-Iraq war stance and play up his familiarity with the region.

"Our next president must be able to get us out of Iraq without delay -- our presence there is no longer needed," he said. "I know the Mideast well -- I've been a congressman, a UN ambassador, and energy secretary. We must turn over the security of Iraq to the Iraqis.