Obama endorsed by governor, former presidential candidate

Source: Xinhua | 01-12-2008 07:40

WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's campaign was boosted again on Friday for being endorsed by the Arizona governor.

"This endorsement is based on my belief in your leadership and vision and the fact that we need a new message of hope and solidarity of coming together in Washington, D.C.," Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano said.

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. (Xinhua/Guardian Photo)

The governor made the endorsement when she visited Obama's office in the state's capital, Phoenix, and attended a conference call with Obama and reporters.

The two-term governor's endorsement was considered by observers as a major boost to his race for Democratic presidential candidate with New York Senator and former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton since she, as one of few female governors, is the most prominent Democrat in the state.

When asked whether Napolitano will take any role in Obama's administration if he is elected president, Obama said "I don't want to prejudge or put her on the spot."

However, he praised the governor for being "enormously talented."

In addition, the African American presidential hopeful also received endorsement of former Colorado Senator and two-time presidential candidate Gary Harte, who called the Illinois senator "the embodiment of what is best about our nation."

Obama won the country's first presidential caucuses in Iowa on Jan. 3 but lost the first primary in New Hampshire five days later to Clinton by only 3 percentage points. The two-way race has moved to the West as the rivals started their campaign in Nevada.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei