Iowa's first lady backs Edwards

John Edwards landed a key endorsement today from Iowa's first lady.

Mari Culver, wife of Iowa Governor Chet Culver, had indicated she would remain neutral in the Jan. 3 Democratic caucuses.

But in a statement issued by the Edwards campaign, she said confirmed her endorsement.

"With all the challenges facing our country, we need a leader who will fight for our families," she said. "John has spent his career standing up for children and families in their hour of need. I admire his commitment to speaking out for those who have no voice and look forward to working with him to make sure children here in Iowa and across the country are safe and secure and have the opportunity to realize their dreams."

Edwards, the former senator from North Carolina and 2004 vice presidential nominee, is banking on a win in Iowa to jump-start his nomination bid, but is a close third in most polls behind Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.