Glendening won't endorse before Feb. 12 primary, but pushes Richardson for VP

Former Governor Parris Glendening, who had been supporting Bill Richardson for President, says he won’t endorse any of the remaining contenders before the February 12 Maryland primary.   

“I like them all,” Glendening said of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards.  “I will leave my political efforts and energy to the general election.”

But Glendening says he thinks Richardson would make a “great” vice president, and said he hoped Richardson would serve in the next administration if the Democrats win the White House – specifically suggesting that the Governor of New Mexico should be considered for Secretary of State.

The former two-term Governor said he liked the “energy and excitement that Obama brings,” and that Clinton brings “great knowledge as to how government runs.”

While Glendening said he did not personally know Edwards, but said the former senator’s “populist message” and ideas on “health care and the economy” were “right on target.”

The former governor said he would “urge each of (the candidates) to stay positive” throughout the nominating process, saying there would be “enough negative attacks” from Republicans “after the primary.”

As for the Richardson campaign, Glendening said he was “disappointed” that Richardson had a “difficult time getting traction against three superstars.”  He said the financial advantage of the top three candidates hurt Richardson’s presidential aspirations. He also said the media “deemed” the campaign a “three-person race.”

Glendening called Richardson’s performance “respectful,” and reiterated his belief that Richardson was one of the most “extraordinarily qualified” politicians in the country. The former governor also commended Richardson for not “going negative,” and said the remaining Democrats had a “great deal of charisma.”

He said Richardson would be a “great aide particularly to Barack Obama” on foreign policy, while saying he could help Obama appeal to Clinton supporters after the primary

“(Richardson) comes from the Clinton administration,” said Glendening, who noted that the southwest has become increasingly competitive politically, and that Richardson could also help attract Latino voters to the Democratic ticket.