RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Mike Easley is going to endorse U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, according to Tom Hendrickson, a former state Democratic party chairman who is a key Clinton supporter in North Carolina.

Easley agreed to the endorsement after returning from an economic development trip to Italy. Clinton is expected to fly to Raleigh on Tuesday for a joint event with Easley.

"We are excited about this opportunity," Hendrickson said. Easley's office declined to comment.

An Easley endorsement would be the first endorsement for Clinton from a major North Carolina political figure. Three members of North Carolina's congressional delegation have endorsed Sen. Barack Obama.

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