Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson today endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Jackson used a campaign appearance by Obama's wife, Michelle, at Cleveland State University as the forum to announce his choice.

Jackson said Obama understands the devastation of foreclosures caused by predatory lending as well as that urban centers can be the economic engines of job creation.

"He will help Cleveland," Jackson said.

Jackson's brief comments were followed by a fiery speech delivered by Michelle Obama to a cheering crowd of 500 at CSU's University Center.

The Ohio primary is Tuesday, March 4.