A political powerhouse from New Jersey has thrown his support behind Barack Obama's bid for presidency.

Former New Jersey Sen. Bill Bradley, once a presidential hopeful himself, says he believes Obama could change the country.

"His movement for change could create a new era of American politics - truly a new American story," said Bradley.

Bradley believes Obama has the greatest chance of winning the presidency back for the Democrats. "Because of his enormous appeal to Americans of all ages and backgrounds, Obama is the candidate best positioned to win in November," said Bradley.

Prior to his political career, Bradley was a Basketball Hall of Fame player. He tried to win the Democratic nomination for the 2000 election, prior to Al Gore getting the party's nod.

AP wires contributed to this article.