Mayor Dave Cieslewicz endorsed U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., Tuesday, just hours before he spoke at the Kohl Center.

“I am supporting Senator Obama in the Wisconsin primary because I believe he can reach out to new voters, to young people and independents who will decide the next election,” Cieslewicz said in a statement.

“He is a truly transformational national figure who has the chance to inspire and unite Americans like no national leader since John Kennedy,” he said.

In an interview after Obama’s speech Tuesday night, Cieslewicz said he believed Obama would be successful in Wisconsin’s upcoming primary Feb. 19.

“I think he’s going to win Madison. I think he’s going to win the state and that is tremendous because Wisconsin is such a bellwether state for November,” Cieslewicz said.

“I think it’s going to mean more than just winning a primary when he wins here next week.”

Cieslewicz previously endorsed John Edwards primarily because of his firm stance to end national poverty. Edwards dropped out of the Democratic primary race on Jan. 30.

Obama’s campaign said Cieslewicz’s endorsement is an excellent addition to the politicians backing him.

“Senator Obama is honored to have the mayor’s endorsement, which is just one more sign that progressives and those hungry for real change in America are rallying behind Senator Obama,” said Obama spokesperson Dan Leistikow in a statement.

Other Wisconsin officials endorsing Obama include Gov. Jim Doyle, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Milwaukee.