Obama endorsed by Missouri auditor

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate Barak Obama gained the endorsement Tuesday of Missouri Auditor Susan Montee, who was a delegate for John Edwards in the 2004 presidential race.

Montee said she switched allegiance for the 2008 campaign not because she was dissatisfied with Edwards, but because she believes Obama -- a senator from Illinois -- offers the best chance to unify diverse groups and improve the United States' international image.

"The world view that we put out from this county if we elect Barak Obama is going to change everything," Montee said.

If elected, Obama would be the first black president. Montee said that would demonstrate to the world that the United State is open to new and different people and ideas. Montee also cited Obama's willingness to meet with some of the nation's adversaries.

During a Democratic presidential debate Monday night, Obama was asked if he would be willing to meet -- without precondition -- in the first year of his presidency with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea.

"I would," responded Obama.

Democratic presidential rival Sen. Hillary Clinton, of New York, said she would not.

"I don't want to be used for propaganda purposes," she said during the debate.

Montee said she has been involved with various women's groups that are supporting Clinton. But Montee plans to serve as chairwoman of Missouri Women for Obama.

As auditor, Montee is Missouri's first statewide elected Democratic official to endorse a presidential candidate.

Reps. William Lacy Clay and Russ Carnahan, both of whom represent part of the St. Louis area, also have endorsed Obama.

St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay has endorsed Clinton.