PITTSBURGH -- Sen. Barack Obama picked up an endorsement from the owner and chairman of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization.

Channel 11's Andy Gastmeyer learned of the news Monday morning as he was covering an event where both Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton were speaking.

Dan Rooney said he endorsed the Illinois senator for the Democratic presidential nomination because he believes Obama will prvoide the new direction and new leadership that the country needs.

The Obama campaign, which announced the endorsement, said the 75-year-old Rooney had planned to remain neutral in race between Obama and Clinton, but Rooney met with Obama during a campaign appearance Monday in Pittsburgh and offered to endorse him.

Rooney also released the following open letter:

Dear Fellow Pennsylvanian,

Based on the experiences that I have had in my 75 years and my assessment of what I think our nation needs to make real the change that is so needed, I am proud and now feel compelled to endorse Senator Barack Obama.

This is not something that I do regularly but as I listen to the candidates in this race, I am struck that we continue to hear about the problems and the same challenges that we have been talking about for decades. Protecting jobs here in Pennsylvania, breaking our dangerous and costly addiction to foreign oil, making health care accessible and affordable - these are neither new issues nor new ideas. And yet we have failed to make real progress.

As a grandfather and a citizen of this community I think Barack Obama's thoughtful, strategic approach is important for America. When I hear how excited young people seem to be when they talk about this man, I believe he will do what is best for them which is to inspire them to be great Americans.

This time, we can't afford to wait. Our country needs a new direction and a new kind of leadership - the kind of leadership, judgment and experience that Senator Obama has demonstrated in more than 20 years of public service, and in a particularly impressive way in this campaign. Senator Obama has rejected the say-and-do anything tactics that puts winning elections ahead of governing the country. And he has rejected the back-room politics in favor of opening government up to the people. Barack Obama is the one candidate in this race who can finally put an end to business as usual in Washington and bring about real change for Pittsburgh and the country as a whole. He has inspired me and so many other people around our country with new ideas and fresh perspectives.

True sports fans know that you support your team even when they are the underdogs. Barack Obama is the underdog here but it is with great pride that I join his team.

When I think of Barack Obama's America I have great hope. I support his candidacy and look forward to his Presidency.

Sincerely,

Daniel M. Rooney, Owner and Chairman, Pittsburgh Steelers

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