Legislative Black Caucus endorses Obama

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus today announced its endorsement of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama for president. The organization voted last week to support and assist the Illinois senator in his effort to win Ohio's Democratic primary election March 4.

The caucus, made up of 17 African-American members of the Ohio General Assembly, believes Obama is highly qualified with a superior educational and public service background, according to a news statement. The caucus called him "a powerful and timely voice for change in America." It cited Sen. Obama’s commitment to fight for the issues important to working class and minority citizens in Ohio, and across the nation. Economic empowerment, better education, reformation of the criminal justice system and expanded health-care coverage are concerns that the caucus shares with Obama.

"Senator Barack Obama has the vision and character to make an excellent president of the United States,'' said state Rep. Tyrone K. Yates. "No one can doubt that he has the background, experience, judgment and skill to lead the American people. . .It's just really, really exciting. He will be president."

Yates, a Democrat from Evanston/East Walnut Hills, is president of the Legislative Black Caucus.

"Senator Obama clearly represents the direction of the future of our nation," Yates said. "For states and cities that have suffered for decades through policy neglect, Senator Obama's deep knowledge and experience as a community organizer with urban issues will advance the (black caucus') urban policy agenda."

The caucus promised to provide its organizational resources and experience to the "Obama for America" campaign to aggressively reach out to Ohio voters. These resources include, but are not limited to, use of mailing and phone lists, volunteers, fundraising and campaign consultation. "It is going to be a very hectic year," Yates said. "It is exciting."

Yates would not disclose the vote tally.