Democrats Francisco, Davis endorse Obama

? A group of Democratic legislators on Thursday endorsed U.S. Sen. Barack Obama for president, saying he can unify the country.

The endorsement came from 13 lawmakers, including state Sen. Marci Francisco and state Rep. Paul Davis, both of Lawrence. More legislators were expected to sign on with the Illinois Democrat within days, officials said.

Speaker after speaker at a news conference said they picked Obama because his message inspired young people and drew in independents and Republicans.

Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley, of Topeka, said Obama’s candidacy reminded him of the excitement generated by the Robert F. Kennedy’s campaign in 1968.

Davis also praised Democratic contenders U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and former U.S. Sen. John Edwards, but said Obama “is the best person to lead this country.”

Francisco said Obama’s campaign contacted her frequently, which showed they had a well-run organization.

Several lawmakers said having Obama at the top of the ticket also would help downballot Democrats in Kansas more than having Clinton as the party’s nominee.

The lawmakers said they would work on behalf of Obama in the Kansas Democratic Party caucuses on Feb. 5.