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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) Twenty-five of South Dakota's 35 Democratic state lawmakers have endorsed the candidacy of presidential hopeful Barack Obama, who is in a heated race with Hillary Rodham CLinton.

The state lawmakers say Obama is the only person who can unite Americans for changes that will improve the lives of working families.

Obama earlier gained the support of former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, and Obama has been endorsed by Sen. Tim Johnson and Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin.

Six tribal Leaders from South Dakota also have endorsed Obama.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-17-08 0621CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list