SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) -- The nation's only Hispanic governor is endorsing Barack Obama for president.
New Mexico's Bill Richardson is to appear with Obama at a campaign event in Portland, Oregon today.
In a statement obtained by The Associated Press, Richardson praises Hillary Rodham Clinton as a "distinguished leader with vast experience." But he calls Obama a "once-in-a-lifetime leader" who can unite the nation and restore "America's moral leadership in the world."
Himself a former presidential candidate, Richardson's endorsement has been long sought by both candidates. He's a Democratic superdelegate and has also been mentioned as a potential running mate for either candidate.
Obama calls him "a powerful voice on issues of global security, peace and justice."
Exit polls have shown Hispanics favoring Clinton in primaries and causes, including in Richardson's home state, New Mexico.