ATLANTA (AP) -- Former President Bill Clinton has thrown his support behind Attorney General Thurbert Baker in the race for governor in Georgia.

In a release distributed by Baker's campaign Monday, Clinton called Baker "a man for this moment" who has offered detailed plans to turn Georgia around.

The Clinton endorsement provides Baker's campaign with a high-profile boost. Former Gov. Roy Barnes has been the prohibitive frontrunner in the Democratic race.

Baker supported Hillary Rodham Clinton in the 2008 Democratic primary while Barnes backed John Edwards.

Clinton headlined a fundraiser for Baker in New York City last year.

Baker is seeking to become Georgia's first black governor.

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