Obama Lands Arizona Gov.'s Endorsement

UPDATE, 11:45 am: The Post's Dan Balz and Shailagh Murray scored an interview with Napolitano in which she confirmed her endorsement. "I think we need fresh voices and fresh messages of unity and coming together," Napolitano told the duo. "I think he's a new young voice who has new appeal, particularly for those of us in the West." For more from the Post's interview with Napolitano, make sure the check out The Trail.

ORIGINAL POST

Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano will endorse Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign today, according to two sources familiar with the decision.

Napolitano's endorsement has literal and symbolic significance. As a popular western state governor, she could prove as an effective surrogate for Obama in Nevada's Jan. 19 caucuses.

Napolitano is also one of a handful of female governors in the country, and her decision to go with Obama could undercut Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's attempts to unify female elected officials behind her candidacy.

Arizona has trationally gone for the GOP presidential candidate in past general elections, but it is increasingly becoming a swing state, due at least in part to the large Latino population.

By Chris Cillizza  |  January 11, 2008; 10:00 AM ET
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