Arizona Governor to Endorse Obama

PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano is endorsing Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president, The Associated Press has learned.

Napolitano planned to make her intentions known during a conference call Friday, according to an individual familiar with her plans who spoke on condition of anonymity because she hadn't publicly discussed the decision.

The endorsement is a major gain for Obama in his race against chief rival Hillary Rodham Clinton. One of several female governors, Napolitano is in her second term.

Napolitano is the most prominent Democrat in Arizona and her endorsement could be significant in a state now regarded as winnable by a Democratic presidential candidate after decades as a near-lock for Republicans. The state holds its primary on Feb. 5.