Clinton camp announces its black leaders

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign announced its roster of supporters in Nevada's black community on Tuesday as the New York senator prepared to visit Las Vegas.

"I believe she has a strong awareness of what's happening in Nevada and the ability to make some central change for us here in Nevada," Robert Fowler, pastor at the Victory Missionary Baptist Church, said in endorsing Clinton Tuesday.

Fowler was one of 34 religious leaders, educators, activists and businesspeople the campaign announced as its Nevada African American Leadership Council.

"We have some background on her, and we know that things were better for us some years ago, quite frankly, when her husband was president," said Hannah Brown, president of the Las Vegas Urban Chamber of Commerce.

Clinton is scheduled to address the Culinary workers union this morning and to hold a town hall meeting with members of the public at noon.

The campaign said it was just a coincidence that the list of black leaders was announced just as Sen. Barack Obama is also on his way to Nevada. Obama will be in Reno Thursday and Las Vegas Friday.

Fowler said he was approached by the Obama campaign but chose Clinton instead because he believes she is the better candidate.

"Senator Obama has a day, I just don't believe this is the day, personally," Fowler said. "Senator Clinton has the overwhelming advantage in terms of experience."

Nationally and in Nevada, Clinton has pursued what is said to be a classic front-runner's strategy, amassing endorsements from big names.

Last month, Clinton came out with a similarly impressive list of Hispanic supporters in Nevada despite the presence of a Hispanic candidate, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, in the race.

The campaign's Nevada chairman, Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid, said the committee members would have an active role in the campaign.

"The purpose is not to have a photo opportunity or two or to have a couple people endorse us," he said. "This will be a key advisory council for African American outreach."

Today, Clinton plans to add another big name to her Nevada roster, the Associated Press reported. Former Gov. Bob Miller, who led Bill Clinton's campaigns in Nevada, says he will come out in support of Clinton.