Bill Richardson endorses ‘once in a lifetime leader’ Obama

Bill Richardson, the Governor of New Mexico, who dropped out of the Democratic race in January, has finally endorsed one of his rival candidates for the presidency. He has chosen Barack Obama, calling him a "once-in-a-lifetime leader" who can unite the nation and restore America's international leadership.

Richardson, the United States' only Hispanic state governor, said: "There is no doubt in my mind that Barack Obama has the judgment and courage we need in a commander in chief when our nation's security is on the line."

The governor was due to appear with Obama at a campaign event in Portland, Oregon on Friday to confirm his decision.

The choice and the timing are critical. Although Obama is ahead in the Democratic delegate count, Hillary Clinton has been pulling ahead in opinion polls following the controversy over statements by Obama's former pastor, Jeremiah Wright.

Richardson is one of the super-delegates who will make the final choice at the August party convention and his decision could help bring other super-delegates to Obama's side.

Most important, his endorsement is likely to persuade more Hispanics - the nation's fastest growing ethnic minority - to vote for Obama. Until now, Hillary Clinton has enjoyed a 2-1 advantage among the Latino community.

Richardson has long been mooted as a vice-presidential candidate. An Obama-Richardson ticket just became a lot more likely.

FIRST POSTED MARCH 21, 2008