This isn't a huge surprise to campaign observers who saw Richardson's foreign policy stance much closer to Obama than Hillary.

But when you consider that Governor Bill Richardson, who came out in support of Barack Obama this morning, was a Bill Clinton Administration insider on foreign affairs, it is nevertheless indicative of how this topsy turvey race for president has so scrambled the Democratic party:

Richardson, who dropped out of the Democratic race in January, is to appear with Obama on Friday at a campaign event in Portland, Ore., The Associated Press has learned.

The governor's endorsement comes as Obama leads among delegates selected at primaries and caucuses but with national public opinion polling showing Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton pulling ahead of him amid controversy over statements by his former pastor. Richardson has been relentlessly wooed by Obama and Clinton for his endorsement.

As a Democratic superdelegate, the governor plays a part in the tight race for nominating votes and could bring other superdelegates to Obama's side. He also has been mentioned as a potential running mate for either candidate.