WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama Tuesday garnered the endorsement of D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, pledging to lobby hard for full D.C. voting rights and to "reconnect people with their government."

"Washington shouldn't just be a seat of government, it should be one of the world's leading cities," Obama, the U.S. senator from Illinois, said in an address to about 50 supporters gathered outside the King Greenleaf Recreation Center in Southwest. "In many parts of D.C. you can look down the street and see the Capitol dome. And yet so many of these streets couldn't be more disconnected from their government."

Obama was the only candidate to personally request his support, Fenty said, and the two have talked frequently in recent weeks about such issues as homelessness and D.C. voting rights.

"We believe that a new era of hope is upon us, not only for Washington, D.C., but for the entire nation," Fenty said. "That hope has given rise to a new generation of leaders who can reach across party lines, leaders who can inspire young people to take part and take pride in our government again. I believe, as you do, that Barack Obama is such a leader."

Fenty will serve as the chair of Obama's D.C. campaign.

Obama, who touted his plans for education, universal health care and affordable housing, is scheduled to unveil his strategy for defeating urban poverty during a visit Wednesday to The ARC in Ward 8.

mneibauer@dcexaminer.com