Gov. Bill Richarson appeared on CNN”s Larry King Live earlier tonight and fielded questions about Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and, of course, the veepstakes. On the money question—If asked, you wouldn’t say no?—Richardson still left the proverbial door wide open.

 

“Well, you know, it’s very hard to say no to something like that. I’m not pining for it. I’m not campaigning for it. I’m happy being governor of New Mexico and being on your show,” Richardson said while flashing a big smile.

 

The governor did have some choice words for Clinton, the candidate he spurned in favor of Obama. In a question about how she handled her loss on Tuesday night, Richardson offered both praise and criticism.

 

“I’m pleased that she made the statement today of suspending her campaign. She ran a remarkable race. She’s a major player in the party. But I would want her to go to one step further. And that is to say, one, that she enthusiastically supports Sen. Obama because it’s gonna be a tough campaign. And secondly, that it was a fair process. I think her continuing to talk about how she won the popular vote, that Michigan and Florida were disenfranchised, is not helpful. This is a time for Democrats to come together.”

 

Later, the governor did say—perhaps somewhat grudgingly—that he thought Hillary would make a good Obama running mate.

 

”… Sen. Clinton obviously has millions of voters behind her. She’d be a huge asset. She’d be a formidable vice presidential candidate,” Richardson opined.