Lewis will endorse Kerry for president

<p>John Lewis, a civil rights leader and Georgias longest-serving congressman, endorsed John Kerrys presidential bid Thursday _ a move that could boost the Democratic front-runner in the lone Southern primary on Super Tuesday.</p><p>Lewis chief of staff Michael Collins said the congressman would make the announcement at a 2:15 p.m. news conference at Paschals Restaurant in Atlanta. Teresa, the wife of the Massachusetts Democrat, was expected to join Lewis for the announcement.</p><p>I believe John Kerry will put back on the American agenda the concerns and needs of all our people, Lewis said in a statement. I believe this man has the ability and the capacity to restore the United States of America to its proper standing among the nations of the world.</p><p>A Kerry victory March 2 in Georgia could go a long way toward derailing the campaign of his only major remaining challenger, North Carolina Sen. John Edwards. Although the 10 Super Tuesday contests of that day include such electoral behemoths as California and New York, Georgia is the only one in the South _ a region Edwards has claimed he is stronger.</p><p>In winning primaries earlier this month in Virginia and Tennessee, Kerry proved popular among black voters. Lewis endorsement, coupled with a vote on the Georgia flag also on the ballot, could help him continue that success in Georgia.</p><p>Lewis would be the second member of the Georgia congressional delegation endorsing Kerry, joining Rep. Denise Majette, who announced her choice earlier this month.</p><p>Democratic Rep. Sanford Bishop had endorsed retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who dropped out of the race, and Democratic Sen. Zell Miller is backing President Bush. The delegations other two Democrats _ Reps. Jim Marshall and David Scott _ havent indicated a preference.</p>

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