Saying Si to Obama

Sen. Barack Obama has picked up some endorsements from a number of local Latino officials to try to bolster his support heading into the Feb. 5 primary election.

State Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, and former state Sen. Martha Escutia announced their support of the Illinois Senator following the withdrawl of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson from the race.

The two are at odds with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who has endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton in the election. Cedillo has been on opposite sides of the mayor in the past, having endorsed former Mayor James Hahn in the 2005 election.

Cedillo is among the most prominent Latino leaders in the state, primarily for his continued efforts pushing legislation that would provide drivers licenses to illegal immigrants.

Supervisor Gloria Molina, who also had backed Richardson, has yet to announce who she will now support for president.