Lone Star Dem Backs Clark

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Former Gen. Wesley Clark won the support Monday of a powerful veteran Texas congressman in his race to win the Democratic U.S. presidential nomination.

Clark valued the endorsement of 13-term Rep. Martin Frost so highly he left the snows of New Hampshire and flew all the way to Dallas to receive it in person.

Frost has served more than 24 years in the House of Representatives, making him the longest-serving congressman from Texas. He is also the ranking Democrat on the House Rules Committee and is a prominent figure on national security and fiscal issues.

Frost's endorsement boosts Clark's already strong political base in the Lone Star State. Three other prominent Texas congressmen, Charlie Stenholm and Congressional Hispanic Caucus leaders Solomon Ortiz and Charlie Gonzalez have also come out in support of Clark.