Charleston, WV — On Monday, former West Virginia Secretary of State and United States Congressman Ken Hechler endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president, citing Obama’s ability to bring the country together and change Washington. 

Hechler, also a former professor at Marshall University, discussed Obama's ability to inspire Americans and bring lasting change to this country.

“I’ve taught courses on the presidency and great presidents are able to inspire and communicate.  The last four great ones were Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy and Ronald Regan. Obama has that same tremendous inspirational ability and he, among all the candidates, will be able to lead this country.

"As Secretary of State, I know what it takes to win votes and Senator Obama has a very strong record with Independents and he has successfully energized young people to participate. Thousands of young people reach the age of 18 and don’t register, but Obama is inspiring them. With Obama in the White House, we will make tremendous progress in restoring the prestige of this nation throughout the world,” said Hechler in a prepared statement.

Kenneth William Hechler was born September 20, 1914. He served the people of West Virginia in the United States Congress from 1959-1977 and as West Virginia Secretary of State in 1984. He served as an Army Historian from 1942-1946, was a special assistant to President Truman from 1949-1953 and taught at Marshall University from 1981-1984. He resides in Charleston, WV.

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