Former Missouri Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell, who had been the state’s most prominent supporter of John Edwards, is now endorsing Sen. Hillary Clinton.

In a release slated to go out tomorrow, Maxwell is among several Edwards supporters who have switched to Clinton.

 Minority Whip Connie Johnson, D-St. Louis, is among them.

Johnson said in an interview that she’ll focus on assisting Clinton with her healthcare policies.

“I look forward to working with the senator on further development of a health care system that will eliminate racial and other disparities,” Johnson said.

“At this critical moment in our nation’s history, we need a strong, experienced leader who can hit the ground running on Day One,” said  Maxwell in a statement. “Hillary Clinton has spent 35 years fighting for American families and she has what it takes to tackle the tough challenges we are facing.”

The campaign said, “The group will contribute to a thriving grassroots organization by making phone calls, going door -to-door, and sharing Senator Clinton’s message with their friends and neighbors.”

“I am honored that this dynamic group of community leaders has chosen to support my campaign,” said Senator Clinton in the release. “With their help, we will continue to bring our message of change to voters across the Show Me State.”

Besides Maxwell and Johnson, those endorsing Clinton include:

•       State Rep. Ed Wildberger, Minority Caucus Chair, St. Joseph, MO
•       State Rep. Gina Walsh, St. Louis, MO
•       Julie Gibson, former Chief of Staff to Governor Bob Holden
•       State Rep. Terry Young, Kansas City, MO