NC Gov. Easley and MO Rep. Ike Skelton Endorse Clinton

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley formally endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton for president at a joint appearance in Raleigh this morning.

According to the AP’s Beth Fouhy, the two-term governor said, “Hillary gets it. It's time for somebody to be in the White House who understands the challenges we face in this country.”

Easley's endorsement comes a week before the state's May 6 primary, and it’s a boost for Sen. Clinton who has been gaining ground on Obama in the latest North Carolina polls.

The AP also reported today that Missouri Rep. Ike Skelton is joining Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, also of Missouri, in endorsing Clinton for president. The AP account said Skelton is endorsing Clinton because of her support in rural America, her commitment to national security and her dedication to U.S. troops.