LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, who carries a famous Kentucky political name, endorsed fellow Democrat Barack Obama for their party's presidential nomination.

Chandler told a group of Obama supporters in Louisville that he was swayed by the Illinois senator's message of "change and hope." The congressman said he's impressed by Obama's ideas and his "quiet strength."

The endorsement gives Obama the support of Kentucky's two Democratic congressmen -- who represent the state's most urban areas -- leading into the state's May 20 primary.

Chandler represents a central Kentucky district that includes Lexington. He entered Congress in early 2004 after winning a special election to fill the seat of Republican Ernie Fletcher, who defeated him in the state's 2003 gubernatorial election. Chandler is also a former attorney general and state auditor.

The Chandler name is one of the most famous in Kentucky politics. Ben Chandler's grandfather, A.B. "Happy" Chandler, was twice elected governor, served in the U.S. Senate and was commissioner of baseball.