Hillary Clinton enlists her biggest get among her endorsements in North Carolina for her latest TV ad.

Governor Mike Easley, who announced his support this week, speaks directly to the camera as images of Clinton and slogans of her economic proposals appear on screen.

"These are tough times in America and I think that Hillary is the one we can count on to get the job done," Easley, a popular two-term governor, says in the spot. "She's going to turn the economy around, she's going bring new jobs, she's going to get some tax cuts for the middle class for a change. She's going to make health care available to everybody in this country, and she's going to do everything she can to help every child reach their full potential."

Easley, as he did in his endorsement announcement, also highlights Clinton's toughness, though he doesn't repeat that she makes "Rocky Balboa look like a pansy" -- a choice of words criticized by some gay rights groups.

"She is so resilient, so determined," Easley says. "She knows how to deliver. She'll be a great president."

By Foon Rhee, The Boston Globe, May 1, 2008