California black caucus supports Obama

SACRAMENTO, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- The California Legislative Black Caucus has announced its endorsement of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., to be the Democratic Party nominee for president.

The caucus said in the announcement that its members consider Obama to be "the only candidate that can unite people to get things done," The Washington Times reported Friday.

"It's imperative that we choose the candidate who is committed to addressing the disparity gaps that exist in our communities," said Karen Bass, the vice chairman of the caucus and majority leader of the California Assembly.

However, one of the eight members of the caucus, Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, D-Oakland, cast a dissenting vote in the endorsement. Swanson has voiced support for Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., who has also received endorsements from high-ranking Hispanic officials California, including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los Angeles.