Billie Jean King
endorses Clinton

Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton has secured the endorsement of Billie Jean King, the longtime tennis star who made history in 1973 when she defeated Bobby Riggs in the famed ''Battle of the Sexes'' match.

''What I learned when I first met Hillary, and what I know now, is that she is qualified to lead this country,'' King, 63, said in a statement. ''As a young woman, mother, advocate, first lady, and senator she has continually shown us she is passionate about improving family issues, health care, equal pay, and the challenges that people all across this nation face on a daily basis.''

King's support will be part of the campaign's ''Women for Hillary'' effort aimed at wooing female voters.

The King endorsement came amid a slew of high-profile events to showcase women's support for Clinton, who is hoping to make history as the first female president.

Several of Clinton's top female advisers, including campaign manager Patti Solis Doyle and senior adviser Ann Lewis, were hosting a Web chat Wednesday afternoon, while NOW, the National Organization for Women, was announcing its endorsement of Clinton.

Democrat Geraldine Ferraro, who in 1984 was the first female vice presidential candidate on a major party ticket, sent an e-mail fund-raising solicitation on behalf of Clinton.

''It's been 23 years since I was the first woman on a major party presidential slate, and I remember what it was like breaking that barrier--including the barrage of attacks at the hands of the Republicans,'' Ferraro wrote. ''Now Hillary is poised to break the biggest glass ceiling of them all. This time, when we elect the best, most qualified candidate for president, for the first time we'll be putting a woman in the White House.'' (Beth Fouhy, AP)