Richardson endorses Obama

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, the nation’s only Latino 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 today 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 amid controversy over statements by his longtime pastor.

Richardson has been relentlessly wooed by Obama and Clinton for his endorsement. As a superdelegate, he 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.

No primaries are scheduled until Pennsylvania’s on April 22, a gap in time Obama hopes to use for such announcements to assert that he is the front-runner for the nomination.

Richardson backed Obama despite his ties to Clinton and her husband, the former president. He served as ambassador to the U.N. and as secretary of the Energy Department during the Clinton administration. Last month, Richardson and former President Clinton watched the Super Bowl together at the governor’s residence in Santa Fe.

Richardson praised Hillary Clinton as a “distinguished leader with vast experience.”