“Change versus experience,” New Mexico Governor and former presidential hopeful Bill Richardson said of the race between Clinton and Obama.

“Obviously I ran on the experience mantle. It didn’t work out too well. But they are both exceptional candidates, represent fundamental change. I think it is going to be very close. I don’t think this race is over.”

Reading between the lines a little:

Experience vs. change, and experience didn’t work? Hmm …

Weighing in on the Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton dogfight last night on CNN, Richardson praised both contenders and suggested that the time is approaching when he publicly lends his support to one of them.

“I may make a decision and do an endorsement,” Richardson said, adding that an endorsement could come within the next few days.

Bill Richardson, a former member of the Clinton administration, wouldn’t hint at which candidate he might back, but one has to assume Obama. With his Clinton ties, an endorsement of Hillary would likely have happened already.

“I’m just not trying to be cute. I just have felt that an endorsement by me… I don’t think it is that significant,” he said. “But I still might do it.”

Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have sought Bill Richardson’s backing since he dropped out of the race in January.

One of the highest ranking Hispanics in the Democratic Party, he could give either candidate a boost ahead of the Texas primary on March 4 and beyond.

Bill Richardson, who said the two are running a “classic race,” is sure to be mentioned as a Vice Presidential candidate - for either winner.

Yesterday, Barack Obama won the backing of Sen. Chris Dodd, the first fallen White House aspirant to offer an endorsement. Obama and Clinton have wooed Richardson as well as former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards.