S.C. Rep. James Clyburn endorses Hillary Clinton

COLUMBIA, S.C., Feb. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, South Carolina's only Democrat in Congress and a leading black politician, endorsed Hillary Clinton Friday for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Clyburn told a crowd at Allen University, "My heart has always been with Hillary Clinton."

"The change we seek for this great country will not come easy," he said. "We need a real fighter, and I believe Hillary Clinton is that fighter."

Clyburn did not endorse a candidate in 2008, causing a rift with Clinton, but told reporters last weekend that he was mulling endorsing either Clinton or Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Clyburn is the lone Democrat in South Carolina's seven-member congressional delegation, and the leading black politician in the Palmetto State.

South Carolina holds its Democratic primary on Feb. 27.