While anti-war groups are strongly critical of Clinton for not apologizing for her vote to authorize the war, McGovern said Thursday that she is the right person to bring an end to the conflict.

“All of us hope this war will be over before January 2009, but if it isn’t, President Hillary Clinton will end this war,” McGovern stated.

While the endorsement is not likely to silence Clinton’s critics, it will allow her campaign to point to the support of a strong anti-war Democrat.

The senator highlighted McGovern’s opposition to the war in her acceptance of his endorsement.

“Congressman McGovern has shown the courage to stand up to President Bush and demand that he change course in Iraq,” Clinton said. “I’m proud to have his support as we work together to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home safely.”