Bill Richardson endorses Obama

In an e-mail message to his supporters, Richardson said Obama will be a "historic and a great president, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad."

Richardson said he was touched by Obama's recent speech on race in America, and said the Illinois senator "understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans."

"As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by [Sen. Obama's] words," wrote Richardson. "I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants--specifically Hispanics-- by too many in this country. Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences--and place blame on others not like them . We all know the real culprit -- the disastrous economic policies of the Bush Administration!"

The endorsement, formally delivered at a nationally televised rally speech today, could help Obama with Latino voters. Richardson is the nation's only Hispanic governor, and polls have shown that Hispanic voters tend to prefer Clinton over Obama.

Richardson said he was not against Clinton by endorsing Obama. "My affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver," he wrote in his e-mail, adding, "It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall."