Oregon Public Broadcasting

Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama has picked up another high-profile endorsement from a member of Oregon's Congressional delegation.  As Andrew Theen reports, Congressman Peter DeFazio is backing Obama.

DeFazio had been unwilling to say as recently as Thursday whom he'd like to see running against presumptive Republican nominee John McCain in the fall.  But DeFazio said Friday he believes Obama presents the best chance for a "clean break with the past."

DeFazio said Obama's "massive following" among youth voters is critical for the future.  He didn't call for Senator Hillary Clinton to bow out, but DeFazio did say it is time the Democratic Party "begin to unify."

Peter DeFazio: "I think we have a shared unity of purpose which is we believe the country is going in the wrong direction, and we want change, and he offers us the best opportunity to deliver that change."

DeFazio said he is confident Obama supports his plan to extend the county payments program for timber counties.

He said he also wants to pick Obama's brain on infrastructure needs.