Easley, Clinton Link Economy with Education

RALEIGH — Gov. Mike Easley endorsed Hillary Clinton for president this morning, saying that she understands the connections between improving education and developing a strong economy.

“Hillary Clinton gets it. She gets it. It’s time for somebody to be in the White House that understands the challenges we face in this country. And they’re significant,” Easley said at N.C. State University.

Easley said he first met Clinton 18 years ago, when Easley was a prosecutor and Clinton was the first lady of Arkansas. He said he was immediately impressed by her intelligence and ideas.

Before a crowd of several hundred this morning, Clinton accepted Easley’s endorsement and praised North Carolina’s efforts to encourage biotechnology industries. She said that the state’s economic gains are directly tied to educational programs supported by Easley. The two took a tour this morning of a bio-manufacturing training and education facility in Raleigh.

Easley is the most prominent North Carolina Democrat to make an endorsement in the presidential race.

“Of course, it’s politically very meaningful,” Clinton said. “But even more than that, it’s great to have someone who really understands what we have to do to transform our country to be prepared for the 21st century. Again, it’s not going to happen just by wishing for it or hoping for it or sitting around talking about it. You have to have a plan and you have to execute that plan.”

Update 2:30 p.m.: Watch Easley’s endorsement above.