"Conrad announces endorsement of Obama"

Bismark Tribune (ND):

Sen. Ken Conrad, D-N.D., announced he will endorse Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill, on Saturday.

It's the first time Conrad has endorsed a presidential candidate during the primaries. He placed his support with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., one of four senators running for the Democratic party nomination.

"As I've observed and worked with Sen. Obama, he has an ability to bring people together," Conrad said.

He chose Obama because he wants someone whom he thinks can unite people. Conrad wants a candidate who can decrease dependency on foreign oil, rebuild foreign policy and focus on eliminating the threat of al-Qaida.

The other Senate candidates are Christopher Dodd, of Connecticut, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and Joe Biden of Delaware. Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, among others, also is seeking the nomination. The endorsement comes five days before the Iowa caucus. North Dakota will have presidential preference caucuses on Feb. 5.

Conrad said he planned to campaign with Obama in Iowa today (Sunday).

Barack Obama