Bill Richardson

Check back next week to view my Convention Sketchpads from the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis.

The fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention will be called to order at 5:00 PM EST on Thursday, with a theme of "Change You Can Believe In."

The final day's events will take place at INVESCO Field at Mile High, where over 70,000 people are expected to attend.

Featured speakers will include Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D), former Vermont Gov. and Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean (D), New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D), U.S. Rep. and U.S. Senate candidate Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D), former Vice President Al Gore (D) and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D).

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), the Democratic presidential nominee, is scheduled to address the convention at 10 p.m. EST.

The full schedule is below.

The third day of the Democratic National Convention will be called to order at 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday, with a theme of "Securing America's Future."

The day will begin with the nominating process for President, including nominating speeches for U.S. Sens. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Barack Obama (D-Ill.), followed by a roll call vote.

The headline speaker will be vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.).

Featured speakers will include President Bill Clinton (D), U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Gov. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.), U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.).

The full schedule is below.

As a former cabinet secretary in Bill Clinton’s administration, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson’s endorsement of Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton is highly irregular for going against the people who placed him in such an esteemed position. Yet it is not unprecedented.

The Democratic Governors Association has announced that former first son and Bill Richardson campaign operative Ray Glendening will serve as one of two deputy political directors for the 2008 cycle.

Ray GlendeningRay Glendening, the 28-year-old son of former Gov. Parris Glendening, said he “prefers behind the scenes work” and would likely not seek elective office in Maryland.

Glendening had served as deputy national field director on Bill Richardson’s presidential campaign until the New Mexico governor ended his campaign after a disappointing finish in the New Hampshire primary on Jan. 8.

Glendening has served as a member of the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee since being elected in 2006. Despite that fact, Glendening said he does not envision himself seeking higher office.

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.

Former Rep. Beverly ByronWhile former six-term Rep. Beverly Byron has not officially endorsed a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, she does offer high accolades for Gov. Bill Richardson from New Mexico.

When asked her preference, Byron told PolitickerMD.com that, "Bill Richardson has outstanding capability in foreign affairs," but she wasn't endorsing him.

Still, Richardson was the only candidate she mentioned by name and she does admit to contributing financially to his campaign - "in a modest way."

Modest enough to fall beneath the Federal Election Commission disclosure level.

Former Gov. Parris GlendeningEarlier this week, former two-term Governor Parris Glendening endorsed the presidential campaign of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. He discussed his decision today during an interview with PolitickerMD.com.

“I have known Bill for a number of years,” Glendening said. “I honestly believe that he is the most qualified candidate.”

Glendening specifically referred to Richardson’s “deep knowledge and understanding” of environmental issues related to global warming and energy consumption. He also referred to Richardson’s “vast experience.”