Barack Obama received the endorsement yesterday of John Kerry, the Democrats’ 2004 presidential candidate, a much-needed boost as he seeks to regroup after defeat in New Hampshire by Hillary Clinton.

Mr Kerry, who lost to President Bush after a stumbling campaign, is not the most loved figure in the Democratic party. He has, though, an e-mail list of three million supporters, a critical resource for Mr Obama as he and Mrs Clinton scramble to raise money for a prolonged nomination battle.

Mr Kerry’s endorsement came as Bill Richardson, the Hispanic New Mexico Governor, announced that he was dropping out after coming fourth in Iowa and New Hampshire. Mr Richardson said it had been “an exhilarating and humbling year and an experience I will treasure and never forget.”A source close to the governor said that he expected him to endorse Mrs Clinton. That could be a critical boost as she and Mr Obama fight for the Hispanic vote before the Nevada caucuses next week.

Democrat chiefs brought forward the caucus day to give Hispanics more say in the nomination process than they have had before. The state is one fifth Hispanic, most living in cities such as Las Vegas and Reno.

Mr Kerry told a rally in Charleston, South Carolina, which holds its Democratic primary on January 26, that Mr Obama “can be, will be and should be the next president of the United States. More than anyone else, Barack Obama can help our country turn the page and get America moving.”

Countering Mrs Clinton’s claim that her rival was inexperienced, Mr Kerry added: “We are electing judgment and character, not years on this Earth.” Mr Kerry’s move was a slight to both Mrs Clinton and John Edwards, his 2004 running mate. Mr Edwards has vowed to remain in the race despite finishing second in Iowa and third in New Hampshire. Mr Kerry and Mr Edwards have barely spoken since their failed campaign. Mr Edwards said: “Our country and our party are stronger because of John’s service and I respect his decision.”

The high-profile endorsement comes as Mr Obama scrambled to prove that he has not lost the momentum he enjoyed after his big win in Iowa. Mr Kerry had been holding back, hoping to have an impact on the race, unlike Al Gore, who endorsed Howard Dean in 2004 – just before his campaign collapsed.

It was Mr Kerry who gave Mr Obama his first turn in the national spotlight when he was a largely unknown first-term senator by choosing him to deliver the keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic nomination. The address was electrifying and launched Mr Obama on the path to his presidential bid.

If Mr Richardson can influence the Hispanic vote in Nevada, it could have a significant impact on the contest. On Wednesday Mr Obama won the support of Nevada’s Culinary Workers Union, the state’s biggest trade organisation. Its 60,000 members mainly service hotels and casinos in Las Vegas. He also received the endorsement of Shirley Franklin, the African-American Mayor of Atlanta. Georgia’s primary is on February 5 – “Super Tuesday” – when more than 20 states vote.

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