Former U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, D-Mo., said today that it was a tough decision for her to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president over Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

“He’s the man for now,” Carnahan said in a conference call with reporters.

Here’s the guts of her statement, released Sunday to the press:

“While I know and admire all the Democrats running for president, I am convinced that Barack Obama is the candidate best able to unite our nation and restore our moral leadership in the world,” said Carnahan.  “As president, he will be a strong voice and a powerful force for change during this critical time in our nation’s history. Barack Obama is an inspirational leader, who embodies the ideals of our democracy and the hopes of a new century.  I heartily endorse him for president of the United States.”

 Carnahan relayed that she had delivered the bad news herself to former President Bill Clinton, who apparently called her last week to lobby for her support. Carnahan said she told him that she would support Sen. Clinton if she wins the nomination, but that she’d decided that Obama was the best choice.

She wasn’t sure what the Obama campaign may ask her to do in Missouri on his behalf, but she added that she’s prepared to do some traveling.

Unclear what the fallout will be from some women’s activists. I heard from several at Clinton’s rally last Saturday in Florissant, who said they had made clear to Sen. Claire McCaskill — either in person or in writing — that they were angry over her decision to go with Obama.

Carnahan, as many know, was the first woman to serve as a U.S. senator from Missouri. She served from 2001-2003 (and was replaced by Republican Jim Talent, R-Mo., who defeated her in the 2002 election.)

Jean Carnahan’s two sons — lawyer Tom Carnahan and U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan — endorsed Obama months ago.

Jean Carnahan said her daughter, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, won’t be endorsing anybody because “she counts the votes.”