Inside political circles, there's been a perception that Beshear privately supports Hillary Clinton and was just using her expected landslide win in Kentucky as the reason to endorse her immediately after next Tuesday's election. Maybe the landscape has changed enough in Obama's favor that the Beshear administration is sending a signal through Mongiardo. Or maybe I'm just trying to read too much into an endorsement from a Lt. Governor.

Here's the release from the Obama campaign:

Kentucky Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo Endorses Senator Barack Obama

LEXINGTON, KY - Today, Kentucky Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo announced his endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President, less than two weeks before the state's May 20th primary.

"I am happy to announce my endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President," said Lt. Gov. Mongiardo. "I believe Senator Obama can unite the Democratic Party and build a coalition of Independents and Republicans to win in November. A proven leader at working across the partisan aisle, he will bring relief to the hardworking families of Kentucky and a responsible end to the war in Iraq. As a surgeon I am particularly impressed with Senator Obama's plan to deliver health care to all Americans, with an imperative focus on cutting medical costs for all families. It's time for real change in Washington, and Sen. Obama is the candidate to deliver that change."

On Saturday, the Obama campaign announced that Senator Obama will hold a rally Monday night in Louisville. Earlier this week the Obama campaign opened its 16th office in the Bluegrass state, as well as weekend canvassing in 27 cities and towns across Kentucky.