Civil Rights Leader Endorses Clinton

ABC News’ Eloise Harper Reports:  Congressman John Lewis, D-Ga., has endorsed Senator Hillary Clinton for president.

"I have looked at all the candidates, and I believe that Hillary Clinton is the best prepared to lead this country at a time when we are in desperate need of strong leadership," Lewis said in a statement released by the campaign.  "She will restore a greater sense of community in America, and reclaim our standing in the world."

For months, Lewis has refused to say who he supported in the race. Both Senator Clinton and Senator Barack Obama, D-Ill., have reached out to Lewis, a prominent civil rights leader.

Most recently the Congressman and both Senators were together in Selma, Alabama together this past March.

Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton reacted to the announcement, saying, "Barack Obama has great admiration for John Lewis and understands his long relationship with Bill Clinton.  He looks forward to his support when Barack Obama is the nominee."

Lewis who is the son of sharecroppers, came to fame during a non-violent civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery in 1961 during which Lewis was beaten by police. 

Lewis represents Georgia’s 5th District, which includes part of Atlanta, and has run unopposed since 2002.

Clinton will receive the endorsement in her first public appearance in Atlanta, a city where Senator Obama has received much support from the African American community.

The 12:00 p.m. ET announcement will take place at Paschal’s restaurant, a famous establishment that former President Bill Clinton visited in 1996 in his run for the presidency.