Rogers backs Clinton bid

University system Chancellor Jim Rogers had a tough time deciding whether he would endorse Hillary Clinton or Bill Richardson for president, but he ended up going with Clinton because he thinks her chances are better, Rogers said Tuesday.

"I thought about it a lot, and so did my wife, whether we should actually take a stand with Hillary Clinton," Rogers said of the Democratic U.S. senator. "I think she has a hell of a chance of winning, and I'm not sure Bill Richardson has that."

Rogers joined the juggernaut that is Clinton's Nevada campaign as a state co-chairman on Tuesday.

Also joining the campaign this week were two Nevada System of Higher Education regents, Cedric Crear and Thalia Dondero; freshman state Sen. Joyce Woodhouse, D-Henderson, a former teacher and principal; and state teachers union staffer Debbie Cahill.

In addition, the Clinton campaign today plans to roll out a group of American Indian leaders headed by Arlan Melendez, chairman of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, according to a news release.

Rogers and his wife, Beverly, each contributed $2,300 to the New York senator in March. In April, they hosted a fundraiser for Richardson at their home, and each has contributed $4,300 to the Democratic New Mexico governor.

"I suppose I could be accused of just trying to get on the winning ticket," Rogers said of his choice. "I would love to see Hillary as the candidate for president and Bill Richardson as vice president. For me, that would be close to perfect."

Rogers, owner of a chain of television stations, said he is not particularly close to Hillary Clinton but knows her husband "very, very well."

"I'm very comfortable with the Clintons, and I always have been," he said.