Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has endorsed Barack Obama.

“I gave it a lot of thought and it was a very difficult decision because I think Democrats and the nation are very blessed to have two outstanding candidates, both of whom would make a great president.”

“Back when I was 18 years old, if anyone had told me in my lifetime we would have a choice between the first woman president and the first African American, I would have laughed out loud,” she said. “They are both breaking the glass ceiling if you will.”

“He is leading us toward a positive feeling of hope in our country and I love seeing that happen,” she said. “I believe the nation faces significant challenges domestically and internationally and Obama is the person who has the ability to reach across artificial divides and move our national forward. Barack is that kind of leader.”