Three former chairmen of the US Securities and Exchange Commission endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama today.
Former SEC head William Donaldson joined Arthur Levitt and David Ruder in backing Mr Obama, who leads rival Hillary Clinton in the number of delegates necessary to become the Democratic White House nominee.
The endorsement bolsters the Illinois senator's economic credentials and bipartisan appeal as he closes in on his party's nomination.
Mr Donaldson was appointed by Republican President George W. Bush; Mr Levitt was appointed by former president Bill Clinton, a Democrat; while Mr Ruder was appointed by former president Ronald Reagan, a Republican.
All three commended Obama for his approach to regulation. "Each of us has been committed to prudent economic policy and effective financial regulation for many years," they said in a joint statement.
"We believe Senator Obama can provide the positive leadership and judgment needed to take us to a stronger and more secure economic future."
They praised Mr Obama's "reasoned approach" in analysing "the current financial crisis and the need for balanced regulatory reform".
Mr Obama has distinguished his economic policies from party rival Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate John McCain in recent weeks by opposing a reprieve on a gasoline tax over the upcoming summer months.