Rep. John Lewis Switches His Support From Clinton to Obama

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and a leader of the U.S. civil rights movement, switched his support on Wednesday from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama for his party's presidential nomination.

In the latest campaign setback for Clinton just days before crucial Democratic primaries in Ohio and Texas, Lewis said that his constituents back Obama, an Illinois senator, and that it was his "duty ... to express the will of the people."

Clinton had hoped that Lewis, who was severely beaten during civil rights demonstrations in the 1960s, would help her win the support of black voters. If he wins the White House in November, Obama would be the first black U.S. president.

Previously, Lewis said he was supporting Clinton, a New York senator, for the Democratic presidential nomination.

"Something is happening in America," Lewis said in a statement explaining his shift. "The people are pressing for a new day in American politics and I think they see Sen. Barack Obama as a symbol of that change."

Obama, campaigning in Ohio, said in a statement: "John Lewis is an American hero and a giant of the Civil Rights Movement, and I am deeply honored to have his support."

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I have to say I'm pleased to see Rep. Lewis listening to his constituents. I think we'll be witnessing more of this in the next few weeks.