AUSTIN (AP) - Superdelegate Bob Slagle of Sherman, former chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, said Thursday he is supporting Hillary Clinton for president and that he's been working to help her Texas campaign.

Slagle had backed New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson before he withdrew from the race. Slagle said he has known Clinton since 1992 and is impressed by her knowledge of issues, including the war in Iraq and international finance.

"I know that experience really does matter," Slagle said. "Anyway, I know that she's absolutely brilliant. I know that she's extremely competent."

"I think Obama is a wonderfully inspiring speaker. He's clearly a brilliant person," Slagle said, adding that he hopes whoever finishes second will be committed to helping the Democratic ticket in November.

"They need not to have lemon drops under their lower lips and be pouting," he said.

Texas has 32 superdelegates who are not pledged to any candidate entering the Democrats' national convention. The state will have three other unpledged delegates who will be chosen at the state Democratic convention in June.

Among Texas' superdelegates, 13 have endorsed Clinton and seven have endorsed Obama. Several remain uncommitted.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)