MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — An attempt by Governor Richardson of New Mexico to chart a centrist course to the Democratic presidential nomination could spawn suspicion on the left and the right, judging by the reaction of Google employees to his talk at the Internet company’s sprawling campus here yesterday.

“I’m a different kind of Democrat. I’m a pro-growth Democrat,” Mr. Richardson told the crowd of about 200 Googlers, many of whom multitasked on laptops as he spoke. “I don’t like taxes.”

During a question-and-answer period, one Google staffer took Mr. Richardson to task, suggesting that he was smearing other Democrats and adopting a “right-wing frame.”

Mr. Richardson said he wasn’t trying to criticize his rivals for the nomination, but he was unapologetic about his rhetoric. “Class warfare. … I’m not into that,” the governor said. “I’m not going to agree to every party orthodoxy. I’m not in this race to get a ribbon from the Democratic National Committee.”

“Why are you not a Republican?” asked another employee, who described himself as a GOP voter.

“I’m independent. I’m a Westerner,” Mr. Richardson said, adding, “I just like to get things done.”

Mr. Richardson was the third presidential hopeful to make the trek to Google’s Silicon Valley headquarters. Senator Clinton visited in February and Senator McCain of Arizona stopped by earlier this month. The interviews of those first-tier contenders were conducted by Google’s CEO, Eric Schmidt. Mr. Richardson was questioned by the company’s vice president for global communications and public affairs, Elliot Schrage.

During his hour-long presentation, Mr. Richardson highlighted his work as an international envoy to pariah regimes in North Korea and Sudan. He faulted the Bush administration for doing too little to engage America’s enemies. “I think our foreign policy has neglected talking to bad people,” he said.

Mr. Richardson said he would make a similar effort to end sectarian strife in Iraq, but he insisted that American troops must leave the country entirely by the end of 2007.

Mr. Richardson praised Google for its innovation but seemed unaware of aspects of its reputation as a cutting-edge employer. He said he favored giving companies tax credits for using solar power and for encouraging employees to stay fit. “We’re already there,” Mr. Schrage said. “Our nutritionist may end up running for president.”

The New Mexico governor said part of his health care plan involves “a national ban on junk foods” to help reduce obesity.

On climate change, Mr. Richardson said he opposes a carbon tax but supports a so-called cap-and-trade system for emissions. The former energy secretary plans to roll out a plan this week calling for cars to have an average fuel economy of 50 miles a gallon within 10 years and for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas releases by 2050.

The New Mexico governor also gave the group several glimpses of his sense of humor, even treading into a dicey area by calling attention to his Hispanic background and his own complexion. “I know I’m a dark horse in this race,” he said, adding with a smirk, “Get it, dark horse?”