"I think it's time to choose the most experienced individual."
Gov. Dannel Malloy
Just over a week ago, Gov. Dannel Malloy told MSNBC he was "not ready yet," to endorse a presidential candidate, citing the on-going Connecticut legislative session. But now he's ready to publicly endorse Hillary Clinton for president.
"I'm making a judgment about who I think's ready to be President of the United States, who has the experience necessary to be President of the United States and I think it's time to choose the most experienced individual," Malloy said on WFSB's Face the State.
Three other Democratic candidates running against Clinton include former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee.
The governor's announcement came two days after the former Secretary of State attended a private fundraiser in New Haven. Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, also stumped for Malloy in New Haven during the 2014 campaign.
Malloy will become the chairman of the Democratic Governors Association in 2016. He told MSNBC he knows the positions of Clinton's Democratic challengers "pretty well." But in the end, he's sticking with someone he has supported in the past.
Even Malloy admits his endorsement shouldn't come as a surprise O'Malley, who Malloy called a friend.
"The governor and I had discussion about this in the past, where I had made it clear if Hillary was a candidate I would support her,” Malloy told The Connecticut Mirror. "And I have had the opportunity more recently to indicate I would be supporting Hillary. But I don’t think there was an expectation I would be supporting him over Hillary."
Supporters of Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has repeatedly said she is not running for president, are being courted by Sanders. Warren is giving the keynote address at the Connecticut Democratic Party's annual Jefferson Jackson Bailey fundraiser dinner in Hartford on June 29.
But in an email to supporters the Democratic Party said it was "thrilled" with Malloy's decision.
Like Governor Malloy, Hillary Clinton will fight for the values we believe in as Democrats. She has been a champion of everyday Americans and their families. We’re thrilled to see Democrats like Governor Malloy stand up for the future of our party, and our country. And we want you to join him.
Last week, Sen. Chris Murphy also announced his endorsement of Clinton.
