President Barack Obama announced his support for Kamala Harris in her race

President Barack Obama announced his support for Kamala Harris in her race against Steve Cooley for state attorney general.

Obama and Harris, San Francisco’s district attorney, have known each other for years – and she co-chaired his California campaign for president two years ago.

“Now she’s running to be California’s attorney general, and I am proud to stand by her,” Obama’s written statement said. “She is someone who understands the needs of all Americans, and I need allies like that fighting for change across the country.”

Obama said Harris “needs our help if she’s going to win this race.”

Brian Brokaw, Harris’ spokesman, said the endorsement could assist in efforts to reach first-time voters who supported Obama for president in 2008 and in fundraising appeals as the Nov. 2 election nears.

“He’s still a very popular figure here in California and we’re honored to have his support,” Brokaw said.

Obama’s approval rating has dropped 12 percentage points in California, however, as the economy has stumbled. Fifty-three percent of California voters applaud the job he has done, compared with 65 percent in March 2009, according to a Field Poll released nearly two weeks ago.