Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire is endorsing Obama for president.

From the AP:

OLYMPIA - Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire endorsed Barack Obama for president today, providing a last-minute lift to the Illinois senator on the eve of the state's hotly contested Democratic caucuses.

Gregoire, announcing her choice in an interview with The Associated Press, said that taking sides in the close contest for the Democratic nomination was tough, given her great admiration for Sen. Hillary Clinton.

But she said Obama is a charismatic and skilled leader who can bring the country together, help solve nagging problems, and restore the country's image abroad.

Gregoire planned to join Obama in a major campaign rally at Seattle's KeyArena on Friday. Clinton also is in the state, making appearances in Tacoma and Spokane on today to follow up on her rally in Seattle on Thursday night.

The Democratic caucuses are Saturday afternoon, a process that will allot all of the state's 78 elected national delegates.