Romney endorses McCain as Clinton raps Obama

BOSTON (Reuters) - Former Republican presidential hopefulMitt Romney endorsed erstwhile rival John McCain on Thursdayand urged Republicans to unite behind him in a gesture thatcould help McCain with disgruntled conservatives.

In the Democratic race, Sen. Hillary Clinton scored amuch-needed victory in New Mexico and accused surging opponentBarack Obama of lacking substance and experience as she foughtfor political traction in Ohio after a string of losses.

After a rough campaign battle between them to be theparty's nominee in November's election, Romney offeredconciliatory words to McCain a week after dropping out of therace, calling him an American hero.

"Even when the contest was close and our disagreements weredebated, the calibre of the man was apparent," Romney said withMcCain at his side. "This is a man capable of leading ourcountry at a dangerous hour."

McCain said it was a hard campaign but "now we move forwardtogether for the good of our party and our nation."

"We had differences on specific issues, but there was neverany doubt about the common philosophy and principles anddedication to the party of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Rooseveltand Ronald Reagan that we share," he said.

Romney, 61, and McCain, 71, had battled bitterly over whowas the real conservative in the race, culminating in a causticdebate in California on January 30.

That was set aside in Boston at Thursday's endorsementceremony, which was intended to encourage Republicanconservatives long distrustful of McCain to unite behind theall-but-certain nominee.

"I still have my views, the senator has his views, but as aparty we come together," Romney said. "We can't possiblyincorporate all views of all Republicans into one individual,because we have differing views."

If Romney's 282 delegates were added to McCain's 822, itwould give McCain 1,104, putting him within easy reach of the1,191 needed for nomination. But Romney's delegates are notnecessarily bound by his recommendation.

Many conservatives distrust McCain because of his moderateviews on illegal immigration and for having originally votedagainst President George W. Bush's tax cuts. Persuading themall to turn out for him in the November election will be acentral challenge.

REPUBLICANS UNITING, DEMOCRATS BATTLING

McCain still faces opposition from former Arkansas Gov.Mike Huckabee, who has picked up the support of someconservatives who had been backing Romney.

"This election should be about choices and voices, and nota coronation. Until someone receives 1,191 delegates, theverdict is not in," Huckabee said after Romney backed McCain.

While Republicans were busily trying to unite, Clinton wastrying to stop Obama's wave of momentum.

She welcomed news from New Mexico that she had won theparty's presidential contest on February 5 in a vote so closeit took nine days to count and verify.

"I am so proud to have earned the support of New Mexicansfrom across the state," Clinton said in a statement, adding shehad been awarded 14 of the state's 26 delegates to the party'snominating convention this summer.

Brandishing a pair of blue boxing gloves given to her at aGeneral Motors automobile plant in Lordstown, Ohio, Clintonportrayed herself as a fighter and Obama as someone who makes alot of speeches that sound good but do not offer solutions.

"That's the difference between me and my opponent. Myopponent makes speeches. I offer solutions. It is one thing toget people excited. I want to empower you," the New Yorksenator said.

Clinton is in for a tough fight. Georgia Rep. John Lewis, acivil rights era icon and one of Clinton's most prominent blacksupporters said he planned to cast his vote as a "superdelegate" for Obama in hopes of preventing a fight at theDemocratic convention, The New York Times reported.

"Something is happening in America and people are preparedand ready to make that great leap," Lewis was quoted as saying.The super delegates, members of Congress and other leadingparty officials, can back anyone they wish at the convention.

Clinton, the one-time front-runner for her party'snomination who now finds herself in political peril,intensified her attack as she was forced to scramble forsweeping victories in Ohio and Texas on March 4 and inPennsylvania on April 22.

She focused on an area that some Democratic strategists sayis a weak spot for Obama -- the Illinois senator's tendency togive uplifting, inspirational speeches that offer few specificsabout how he would lead the United States if elected.

(Additional reporting by Caren Bohan with Clinton and JasonSzep in Boston; Writing by Steve Holland; Editing by PeterCooney)

(To read more about the U.S. political campaign, visitReuters "Tales from the Trail: 2008" online athttp://blogs.reuters.com/trail08/