Texas Papers Endorse Obama

Sen. Hillary Clinton is hoping that victories in the delegate rich states of Ohio and Texas on March 4th (when Vermont and Rhode Island also have primaries) will stop Obama's momentum and return her to frontrunner status. She is ahead in polls in both states, though Obama is gaining (and may gain more after tomorrow's races in Hawai'i, Washington State (50% of Washington's delegates were decided in a caucus, the other half will be decided in this primary), and Wisconsin--when Obama can actually campaign in Ohio and Texas).

Now, Obama has won the endorsement of the 7 largest newspapers in Texas: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram says that "Obama is smart and experienced in working directly with low- and middle-class Americans to better their lives, and he brings a message of hope that the country needs in this moment. " The Houston Chronicle says, "Obama vows to reach out to independents and Republicans with a message of inclusion and cooperation. He offers a historic opportunity to elevate national political dialogue to a higher ground." The Dallas Morning-News explains, "Mr. Obama is our choice because of his consistently solid judgment, poise under pressure and ability to campaign effectively without resorting to the divisive politics of the past."

He also won the endorsement of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, the San Antonio Express-News, the Austin American-Statesman, the El Paso Times, and the influential Texas progressive blog, The Burnt Orange Report.

Tomorrow, as Hawai'i and Washington and Wisconsin vote, Obama will hold rallies in San Antonio and Houston.

Yesterday, Obama campaigned in Youngstown, OH. Ohio's largest paper has endorsed Obama and yesterday he picked up the endorsement of the Ohio State Treasurer. He has more ground to make up in Ohio than Texas, but labor is beginning to go his way and that could spell big trouble for Sen. Clinton (especially if John Edwards endorses him and campaigns in Ohio).