Mongiardo endorses Obama's candidacy

Lt. Gov. Daniel MongiardoKentucky's Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard) has formally endorsed the presidential campaign of U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) today. The endorsement is Obama's first from a statewide elected official in Kentucky.

"I believe Senator Obama can unite the Democratic Party and build a coalition of Independents and Republicans to win in November. A proven leader at working across the partisan aisle, he will bring relief to the hardworking families of Kentucky and a responsible end to the war in Iraq. As a surgeon, I am particularly impressed with Senator Obama's plan to deliver health care to all Americans, with an imperative focus on cutting medical costs for all families," read Mongiardo's statement, dispatched by the Obama campaign to announce the news.

Mongiardo is from eastern Kentucky, a region where recent polls gave U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) a 72-point lead over Obama in the Democratic presidential primary race -- the largest lead Clinton holds in any region of the state.

Mongiardo's immediate superior in state government is Gov. Steve Beshear (D-Lexington) -- an undecided Democratic superdelegate. Beshear previously announced he would remain uncommitted until after Kentucky's May 20 primary.

Mongiardo himself is no stranger to seeking higher office. His 2007 victory on a ticket with Beshear came after he narrowly lost a bid to unseat incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning in 2004.