Gov. Chris Gregoire announced this morning that she is backing Barack Obama for president. The endorsement comes one day before state Democrats hold nominating caucuses. But while coming late in the process, the governor’s announcement is timed for the day that Obama appears in Seattle at a Key Arena rally.

Hillary Clinton is also in the state today with appearances in Tacoma and Spokane.

Gregoire said in a statement:

We must restore hope in America. We must put an end to politics of division - by gender, race, and faith. I know Washingtonians are tired of these divisions. They want us to tackle the tough challenges we face, and get result that make their lives better.

Barack Obama has a unique ability to reach across all the artificial divides and divisions to move our nation forward. At a time of great division in our country, we need a leader who will unite us. Barack Obama is that kind of leader.

I was inspired to pursue a career in public service by John F. Kennedy. His presidency heralded the arrival of a new generation of Americans to lead our nation. Like President Kennedy, Barack Obama is inspiring a new generation of young people to get involved. If elected, I believe he will lead us all -- young and old, “blue and red” -- to create a positive change in our communities, this nation and the world.

Note to the governor's staff: The time stamp on this post shows when I wrote it, not when it was posted. It was posted at 8 a.m. the time the embargo was lifted. No one saw it here prior to 8 a.m.