PORTLAND, Ore. - Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama got a rousing start to his swing through Oregon on Friday.

A major political announcement also took place during a speech and rally in Portland.

Friday morning, the Associated Press reported that New Mexico governor and former presidential candidate Bill Richardson would give Sen. Obama his endorsement during the Portland visit.

At the Portland rally, Sen. Obama was introduced by Gov. Richardson, saying he trusts Obama to end the Iraq war and bring troops home. He also said he knew Obama was a "really good guy" and a "once-in-a-lifetime leader."

Richardson is reportedly a top consideration for the position of Vice President by both Sen. Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Richardson served in Pres. Bill Clinton's administration and said Democrats were fortunate to have two strong candidates, but it was time to support Sen. Obama in the "tough fight" expected against Republican candidate Sen. John McCain in the fall.

Richardson's support is seen as a key to the Hispanic vote, a bloc that has shown strong support for Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Sen. Obama delivered his standard stump speech, touching on topics including the war in Iraq, health care, the economy, education and national defense.

At one point he paused to say "I love you back" to an audience member who yelled that she loved him. The speech was interrupted often by crowd applause.

Following the speech, Sen. Obama planned on heading down the I-5 corridor for a stop at the Salem Armory and then on to Eugene for an evening event.  He is also scheduled to visit Medford Saturday morning.

KATU News will have live online coverage Sen. Obama's appearance in Eugene on the KATU.com. Web site.

Early Friday morning in Portland, people began lining up for seats to see the speech at the Memorial Coliseum. Some showed up just after midnight and braved unseasonably cold temperatures to keep their place in line.

Hundreds had gathered by 7 a.m. when the doors were opened ahead of schedule to accommodate the large crowd.

12,000 tickets for the event were quickly snapped up after the visit was announced.