Richardson Endorsement...and what it could mean.

Over the weekend, New Mexico Governor and former member of the Clinton Administration Bill Richardson, endorsed Senator Barack Obama.

While Richardson's endorsement could help Obama with Hispanics, the Richardson endorsement is a stinging defeat for the Clintons.

What does it mean?

1. Given Richardson's close ties to the Clintons and the fact that he is a Super Delegate, his defection to Obama could open the door to other Super Delegates that have either been riding the fence or, out of respect for Bill Clinton, have not publically endorsed Obama.

2. In his endorsement of Obama, Richardson approached a subject that no big name Democrat has even mentioned. Richardson talked about the party becoming united behind one candidate. While not specifically calling on Clinton to pull out of the race, he at least opened the door for a discussion. To date, Richardson is the biggest Democrat that has publically talked about Democrats uniting behind one candidate.

Watch to see what happens with these three "big names."

1. John Edwards -- former North Carolina Senator, vice presidential candidate and presidential candidate is probably one of the most sought after endorsements. His ultra-liberal views go over well with the Democratic base. North Carolina's primary is scheduled for May 6th. Edwards has met both with Clinton and Obama. If I were a betting man, I would bet before too long, Edwards will come out in support of Obama. Howver, barring Hillary dropping out, his endorsement would be huge for either candidate. You can bet he's received a couple of calls from the Clintons.

2. Al Gore -- Clinton's VP is quiet...too quiet. He was burned in 2004 when he came out for Howard Dean. This cycle, Gore seems perfectly happy saving the world, and polishing his Noble Peace Prize and Academy Award, but make no mistake, his endorsement could shift the political paradigm in this race. The relationship between the Clintons and Gores has not been the best. Gore blamed Clinton and his extracircular activites for his loss in 2000, while Clinton blamed Gore for not using him enough. Again, you can bet that Bill has been on the phone with his VP.

3. Nancy Pelosi -- current Speaker of the House. She's maintained her neutrality in this race. However, do you really think that Pelosi would want to give up her title as the most powerful woman in DC to Hillary Clinton. Just a hunch, but I bet Speaker Pelosi wouldn't mind seeing Senator Obama at the top of the ticket. She has also been the most adament in saying the "Dream Ticket" of Obama/Hillary or Hillary/Obama is not going to happen.