[img_assist|nid=3982|title=State Rep. Liz Hager (R-Concord) endorsing Barack Obama|desc=Photo Credit: PolitickerNH.com|link=none|align=center|width=420|height=315]

CONCORD-- State Rep. Elizabeth Hager endorsed Barack Obama at a press conference announcing a "declaration of support" from New Hampshire women.

The Concord Republican said the endorsement had nothing to do with her defeat in the Republican primary earlier this month. Hager was defeated in the primary after a group of conservative Republicans banded together to campaign.

"No, [the endorsement] was affected by the principles that I discussed," Hager told PolitickerNH.com. "I'd be right here if I was still a candidate."

Hager said she is supporting Obama because of his views on abortion.

"Senator Obama represents the tone in the debate for reproductive rights in this country. He is steadfast in his defense of a women's right to chose," Hager said at the press conference.

Also attending the event was Peggo Hodes, wife of U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-Concord), and Susan Lynch, wife of Gov. John Lynch (D-Hopkinton).