Clinton gets Meek endorsement – finally

After several days of confusion, Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) endorsed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) for president Wednesday.

{mosads}“Senator Hillary Clinton is the Democratic candidate with the perfect blend of leadership, talent and intellect to lead our nation in a new direction,” Meek said. “It is my honor to endorse Senator Hillary Clinton to be our next president.”

Last week, after news reports indicated that Meek would endorse Clinton, the Florida lawmaker sent a letter to the campaign that said he had not endorsed the former first lady and that “the Hillary for President Campaign is not authorized to use my name, image or this incorrect news report in any of your campaign literature.”

Meek changed his tune significantly Wednesday.

“Where Hillary Clinton needs me, I will go and deliver her message of hope and opportunity to all Americans,” he said, adding that he would “work tirelessly to help her achieve these goals.”

The botched endorsement announcement was seen as the first serious misstep in Clinton’s frontrunner campaign. But the actual endorsement, which could help the senator make gains with black voters, may make up for the flap.

Clinton praised Meek as “a rising star and the future of our party.”

“I’m honored to have his support, and fortunate to have him advising me on policy and campaign strategy,” Clinton added. “I look forward to working together as we tackle the challenges facing America at home and abroad.”