Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Reporter

Posted Oct. 12, 2007 – Georgia Congressman John Lewis, a longtime friend and loyal supporter of the first Clinton Administration, announced today he’s endorsing Sen. Hillary Clinton’s (D-N.Y.). In doing so, he denies Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), a fellow member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the honor.

It’s been suspected he would, and now it’s official.  Lewis pushed back when I asked him earlier this year if he’d had decided whom to support, which feed hopes Obama might get his endorsement.

No such luck. 
  
“I have looked at all the candidates, and I believe that Hillary Clinton is the best prepared to lead this country at a time when we are in desperate need of strong leadership,”  Lewis said.
“I am proud and deeply honored to have the support of John Lewis, a great American hero.  John helped transform this nation, and his vital role in establishing civil rights for all Americans will never be forgotten,” Clinton said.

This comes at a bad time for Obama.  Clinton is leading in national polls by double digits. In recent months,she surged ahead in fundraising, and they are only separated by a few points in Iowa and New Hampshire polls.

It’s not clear how Obama will play in the south so adding Lewis to fellow Black Georgia congressmen Sanford Bishop and freshman Hank Johnson wouldn’t have hurt.

Now that Lewis has signed on with Clinton, the “big get” will be House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D- S.C.).   He’s one of the most powerful men in Congress, and he’s from the first southern state with a primary.  He may opt to stay neutral until the pack of candidates is smaller.  

Lewis joins the list of lawmakers,  Rep. Charles Rangel(D-N.Y.), and the newest member, Laura Richardson (D-Calif.).  Obama has secured his home state members of the Congressional Black Caucus and now has about a dozen Black lawmakers in his camp.  

 With 43 members in the Black caucus, the number of undecided lawmakers is shrinking.

Do you think friendship or poltical loyalty should determine who lawmakers support?