[img_assist|nid=368|title=Former Gov. Parris Glendening|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=140|height=178]Earlier 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.”

Richardson has been in public service for a number of years. He represented New Mexico’s Third Congressional District from 1983 to 1997, leaving to serve in the Clinton administration, first as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 1997 to 1998, and then as U.S. Secretary of Energy from 1998 to 2001. He assumed office as governor in 2003, and was reelected in 2006.

Glendening said Richardson was “by far the most knowledgeable and best prepared to act on the energy issue.”

The former governor said the current presidential candidate “understands” that the United States needs to explore methods to cut the “amount of energy we consume.”

Glendening described Richardson’s “commitment” to further means and construction of mass transportation, and warned that U.S. “hunger for energy” was causing the country to “have to pay immense profits to those countries who do not support us, and would wish us harm.”

Glendening also highlighted the importance of “executive experience,” which Richardson has as the only current or former governor in the Democratic field.

The former governor said he was “very enthusiastic,” about all of the Democratic candidates, but said Richardson was his clear favorite. He continued to stress the importance of Richardson’s expertise on issues related to the environment throughout the interview.

He also said it was a “disaster that the federal government is not participating” in greater efforts to reduce energy consumption and improve environmental standards.

Since leaving office, Glendening continues his work as President of the Smart Growth Leadership Institute, an organization devoted to expanding and assisting community planning and growth.