N.C. governor backs Clinton

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D) on Tuesday endorsed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.), giving the former first lady a boost heading into the state’s Democratic primary next week.

{mosads}“I am supporting Hillary Clinton because she has a passion for improving the lives of all Americans. She will be a president who stands up for people across North Carolina — and this country — every day in the White House,” Easley said, repeating a Clinton campaign theme.

The New York senator is trailing in the state, according to polls, but a big win in Pennsylvania last week and a recent rough patch for front-runner Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) have buoyed her hopes of outperforming expectations in North Carolina.

“I am honored to have the support of Gov. Easley, whose vision and persistence have made higher education affordable and accessible for North Carolinians,” stated Clinton. “I look forward to working with him in our efforts to turn around the economy and rebuild the middle class.”