LEWISTON -- Former Gov. Angus King endorsed Barack Obama's campaign for president this morning, saying the Illinois Democrat offers the best hope for leading America to a better future.

"Obama leads with hope and not through fear," said King, a two-term independent who supported Republican George Bush in 2000 but endorsed Democrat John Kerry when Bush ran for re-election in 2004.

King praised Obama for his ability to inspire and energize citizens and contended that his Republican opponent, John McCain, will continue policies established by the Bush administration.

Also endorsing Obama at a press conference with King this morning were former U.S. Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, a Democrat, and former Republican state Sen. Sherry Huber, who is co-chairman of Maine Republicans for Obama.