Sen. Barack Obama has won the endorsement of 19 of the 26 Democratic legislators in Idaho in the run-up to the Feb. 5 state Democratic caucus, in large part because they say he'll help Democrats down the ticket.
"Barack Obama is the one candidate who can help Democrats get elected all across the country, especially in conservative areas like Idaho where Democrats have not fared well for decades," said Senate Minority Leader Clint Stennett of Ketchum. "Like many Americans, we understand that we need a real change in the course of our country, and Barack Obama has the leadership and the vision to get that done."
Also backing Obama are Sens. Mike Burkett, David Langhorst and Elliot Werk of Boise; and Diane Bilyeu and Edgar Malepeai of Pocatello.
In the House, Minority Leader Wendy Jaquet of Ketchum leads Obama supporters, along with Reps. Les Bock, Margaret Henbest, Nicole LeFavour and Anne Pasley-Stuart of Boise; Liz Chavez and John Rusche of Lewiston; Donna Pence of Ketchum; George Sayler of Coeur d'Alene; Shirley Ringo of Moscow; James Ruchti of Pocatello; and Jerry Shively of Idaho Falls.
