Rep. McGovern endorses Clinton despite 2002 war vote

WASHINGTON --Rep. James McGovern, a leading anti-war voice in the House, said Thursday said he's supporting Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential bid despite her 2002 Iraq war vote.

"I feel strongly she would be a great president," McGovern said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "I want a president who not only wants to end the war, but has the experience and ability to make it happen."

Clinton has faced criticism from many Democratic activists for her 2002 vote authorizing military action in Iraq. While she has refused to repudiate her vote, she has harshly criticized the conduct of the war, saying "if we knew then what we know now" she never would have voted as she did.

The Worcester Democrat said the prospect that Clinton could become the first woman president also has great appeal. He recalled picking up his 5-year-old daughter, Molly, at school the day after Clinton announced her candidacy.

"All these 5-year-old girls were buzzing about Hillary," he said. "It was one of those moments that you always remember. These little girls sensed that something big was happening. This is a bold, exciting history-making candidacy."

McGovern supported Gov. Deval Patrick, who became the state's first black governor last fall. Patrick has refused to say whom he will support for president. He worked for Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, but was supported last year by Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., who is striving to become the nation's first black president.

Hillary Clinton will visit Boston on Friday, but her stops will be closed to the public. Clinton and other 2008 presidential candidates are busy making a flurry of final fundraising events in advance of a deadline Saturday for first-quarter fundraising.

Reports detailing how much money the candidates raised will be released April 15.