Rep. Charlie Gonzalez (D-TX) endorses Obama

[NJSecularist]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/politics/stories/MYSA021108.gzzendrsobama.en.b082c6be.html

WASHINGTON – Illinois Sen. Barack Obama picked up a key endorsement Monday from Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio, who said he backs the Illinois senator for the Democratic nomination for president.

"Senator Obama brings all these new fresh faces,’’ Gonzalez told the San Antonio Express-News. "He has a wider audience. He has the greater potential to engage a greater number of people.’’

The endorsement by Gonzalez comes one day after Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., announced a presidential campaign swing through South Texas that will include San Antonio, Corpus Christi and McAllen.

Both campaigns are ramping up their efforts in Texas in advance of the March 4 primary. There are 228 Democratic delegates at stake in Texas.

Hispanics are expected to make up roughly 25 percent of the Democratic primary vote in Texas, prompting Clinton and Obama to establish campaign offices in San Antonio, El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley.

Clinton has received the endorsement of former San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros, who served as housing secretary under President Bill Clinton. Others endorsing Sen. Clinton include Rep. Solomon Ortiz, D-Corpus Christi, and Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, D-Mercedes.

A key Hispanic endorsement for Obama...

[Alhena]

1. Outstanding! Now get down to South Texas and campaign, Obama!

[cali]

2. Fantastic. Thanks for posting n/t

[thevoiceofreason]

3. This is unbelievably fun!

What a great guy.

[catgirl]

4. Smart man!

I thought we'd see more of this after this weekend. Come on people!!

[thevoiceofreason]

7. And folks like Charlie

[TexasObserver]

5. Si Se Puede!! We need all the Latino help we can get in Texas.

These are all key endorsements for Obama, and he's looking better in San Antonio, the biggest Hispanic stronghold in Texas, the other being the valley.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

6. Is he another superdelegate too?

[Adelante]

10. Yes nt

[book_worm]

8. I think Obama will surprise some by how he does in TX, but a lot of work still to do!

[Avalux]

9. Woo hoo! Way to go Charlie!

Makes me proud to say I'm from San Antonio. :kick: