Washington: Former US president Barack Obama has endorsed Indian-origin Democratic senatorial candidate Sara Gideon in Maine state.
“I’m proud to endorse this diverse and hopeful collection of thoughtful, empathetic and highly qualified Democrats,” said Obama in a statement.
Obama, who has released the list of his nationwide endorsed candidates that included Gideon, added: “Together, these candidates will help us redeem our country’s promise by sticking up for working people, restoring fairness and opportunity to our system, and fighting for the good of all Americans—not just those at the top.”
Gideon, 48, is currently the Speaker of the Maine State Assembly, and is giving a tough fight to Republican incumbent Senator Susan Collins. The Maine Senate is seen as one of the most high-profile Senate races in the November polls. The Democrats are banking on Gideon to gain a majority in the US Senate.
According to a recent poll, Gideon, whose father is an Indian and mother an Armenian, led Collins with 44 per cent to 39 per cent.