New Mexico governor Bill Richardson endorses Obama

Published 10:32 am Friday, March 21, 2008

PORTLAND, Ore. — The nation’s only Hispanic governor has put his support behind Barack Obama for president, delivering one of the most coveted endorsements in the race for the Democratic nomination.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson joined Obama at an Oregon rally Friday and said the Illinois senator demonstrated his leadership abilities this week with his speech on race. Richardson gave up his own bid for the nomination in January.

The endorsement comes during a tough period for Obama, the leader in the delegate chase over Hillary Rodham Clinton. He’s seen his lead in national polls wither as he’s grappled with the fallout from divisive remarks from his former pastor.

Richardson was relentlessly courted by both candidates.