Kerry to Endorse Obama

From CBS News Director of Political Coverage Steve Chaggaris:

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., is set to endorse Barack Obama at an 11am rally in Charleston, S.C. today, according to Democratic sources.

Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, lost to George W. Bush but remains a high-profile figure in the party and also maintains a large mailing list through his political organization that will be used to help Obama.

The question remains how much of a boost this endorsment will be to Obama in South Carolina, where the announcement is happening, or in other states throughout the primaries.

In 2004, former Vice President and 2000 Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore endorsed Howard Dean before the Iowa caucuses, only to watch Dean lose there.

Also of note, today's endorsement is happening in South Carolina, a state Kerry lost both during the primaries and the general election in 2004.