According to CNN sources, Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, will announce today that he is endorsing Sen. Barack Obama for President of the United States.

Richardson plans to join Sen. Obama today at a campaign rally in Portland, OR, where he will officially announce the endorsement.

In an email sent out to supporters by Gov. Richardson, he said that Obama will be a

“historic and a great president, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad.”

Richardson also spoke about the recent Obama speech on race in his email, saying that Obama

“understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans.”

Throughout this primay campaign, Hispanic voters have tended to follow and vote for Hillary Clinton over Sen. Obama, but recent polls have indicated that Obama has made up some ground in this voting sector. The endorsement of Obama, by Gov. Richardson, is a hopeful sign that African-Americans and Hispanics are starting to bridge the gap between the races. This endorsement could prove to be very beneficial for Obama among the Hispanic community.

Gov. Richardson, who is a long time friend and colleague of the Clinton family,  also stated in the email that he still has sincere admiration for the Clinton family but

“It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall.”

Expect the endorsement to be announced today at a campaign rally beginning at 12:30 p.m. in Portland, OR.