Following Gov. Tim Kaines lead, former Lt. Governor Don Beyer endorsed Illinois Senator Barack Obama for the 2008 presidential contest this week.   

Beyer will also host fundraisers for the senator at his home in Old Town and at The Majestic Caf on King Street on March 27. 

In a letter invitation to the events, Beyer says he has been struck by Obamas passionate rhetoric and that he believes Obama is a leader that can transform the country. 

At least part of our public life must be based on passion, on the deep connection we make with those rare and special leaders who really do transform us, Beyer wrote. For so many in our generation, Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King were those leaders. Now, in Barack Obama, we believe we have found that next transformational, moral, inspirational figure to lead us forward. 

US Senator Barack Obama is our best opportunity to turn America and the world toward a future where we work together to solve our problems, he added. 

Beyer was Virginias lieutenant governor from 1990 to 1998. During that time, he worked under former Governors Doug Wilder and George Allen. In 1997, he was the Democratic nominee forgovernor. 

On the national level, he was national treasurer of Howard Deans 2004 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. 

Beyer currently owns Volvo, Subaru and Land Rover dealerships in Northern Virginia.