65 U.S. Nobel laureates endorse Obama

CHICAGO, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Sixty-five U.S. Nobel Laureate scientists have sent "an open letter to the American people" urging support of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

"This year's presidential election is among the most significant in our nation's history," the scientists wrote. "The country urgently needs a visionary leader who can ensure the future of our traditional strengths in science and technology and who can harness those strengths to address many of our greatest problems: energy, disease, climate change, security, and economic competitiveness. We are convinced that Senator Barack Obama is such a leader, and we urge you to join us in supporting him."

Obama's press office said the letter marks the largest number of Nobel Laureates -- "the nation's greatest minds" -- ever to endorse a political candidate.