Obama backs Rep. Conyers in Democratic primary

President Obama is throwing his support behind Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) in a Democratic primary race, according to The Associated Press on Friday.

The move will likely prompt other Democrats in primary contests to seek the White House's support.

Conyers was the first Congressional Black Caucus member to endorse Obama during the Democratic presidential primary in 2008, but in 2009 there was tension between the two that prompted Obama to personally call Conyers to ask him why he was "demeaning him." Conyers, one of the most senior members of the House, had sternly criticized Obama over healthcare reform and the war in Afghanistan.

Last year, Conyers publicly asked Obama to back his reelection bid.

Obama called Conyers “a tireless champion for all of southeastern Michigan’s working families, especially the many struggling to get by,” in a statement released by Conyers’s campaign. “That is why we need his dedicated efforts back in Congress to continue the fight with me to bring real jobs to the greater Metro Detroit area and our nation. I need you to cast your vote for Congressman John Conyers, Jr. in the August Democratic Congressional Primary.”

Conyers is running in the newly redrawn Michigan 13th district, which contains much of the territory he previously represented in the 14th district.

"I am extremely humbled by President Obama's endorsement," Conyers said in a statement. "After a campaign focused on economic development and job creation, my first task back in Congress will be to work with the President and other members of Congress to get our economy back on the right track."

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