Friday, March 21, 2008
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, the nation's only Hispanic governor, is endorsing Sen. Barack Obama for president, calling him a "once-in-a- lifetime leader" who can unite the nation and restore America's international leadership.
Richardson, who dropped out of the Democratic race in January, is to appear with Obama on Friday at a campaign event in Portland, Ore., The Associated Press has learned.
The governor's endorsement comes as Obama leads among delegates selected at primaries and caucuses but with national public opinion polling showing Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton pulling ahead of him amid controversy over statements by his former pastor.
Richardson has been relentlessly wooed by Obama and Clinton for his endorsement. As a Democratic superdelegate, the governor plays a part in the tight race for nominating votes and could bring other superdelegates to Obama's side. He also has been mentioned as a potential running mate for either candidate.
State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Friday that the State inspector general's office is looking into the matter, but Justice Department officials have been notified in case they need to get involved.
Meantime, McCormack said that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice plans "soon" to reach out to Obama about the incidents.
Two of the contract employees were fired for the security breach and the third was disciplined but is still working, the department said Thursday night.
MCCAIN'S FUNDRAISING DROPS DESPITE CLINCHING CANDIDACY
Mr. McCain, whose ability to raise money has risen and fallen with his political fortunes, has embarked on a nearly daily schedule of fund-raising since March 4.
But, in February, as he racked up one primary win after another, his attention focused more on gaining delegates than dollars. The $11 million he raised that month was less than the $11.7 million raised in January. At the same time, his campaign maintained the same amount of bank debt as before, slightly under $5 million.
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