The following are reactions from state and local leaders on Barack Obama's selection of Joe Biden as his running mate.

"Joe Biden's been a national figure for years. He brings a great deal of defense and foreign policy experience to the ticket. I think he's someone who can relate to Michigan voters... I think he's, over the years, demonstrated an understanding of the needs of working families."

--- Jeff Mayes, 69th District Representative


"I think he was a good choice. I think he strengthens the ticket in terms of the legislative experience that he brings... I think he's going to be a tough campaigner and an asset to Senator Obama."

--- Jim Barcia, 31st District State Senator


"I've known him since he first came to Congress... He serves on the Foreign Relations Committee and is considered the expert on the world and our position with various countries and regions around the world. I think it will be a great ticket. I'm very happy about the selection."

--- Dale Kildee, 5th District U.S. Representative


"This is a terrific choice. Joe Biden understands the challenges facing our country at home and abroad, and his long history of bipartisanship in the Senate will be a welcomed asset. He will be a tireless and enthusiastic partner for Senator Obama in the campaign and in the White House."

--- Carl Levin, U.S. Senator

These Quotes are courtesy of the Bay City Times.

Barack Obama has chosen his running mate: Sen. Joe Biden. A text message was sent to Obama supporters at 3 A.M. reading: "Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee. Watch the first Obama-Biden rally live at 3pm ET on www.barackobama.com Spread the word!"

Joe Biden was born in Scranton, PA, to a working-class Irish Catholic family. They moved to Delaware when he was 10. His father was a car salesman. He went to college in Delaware and then got a law degree from Syracuse University. Lawyers are drawn to politics like bees are to honey and at 27 was elected to the local county council.

At 29 he ran for the Senate and won, despite being constitutionally ineligible. Fortunately, he hit 30 before being inaugurated so they let him him. He has been in the Senate ever since and is now in his sixth term and running for reelection this year. Biden is currently chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a job he has held before. He has also chaired the Senate Judiciary committee.

Hillary Clinton called Biden "an exceptionally strong, experienced leader and devoted public servant." Sen Chuck Hagel, called Biden "the right partner for Barack Obama" and the decision "good news for Obama and America."

The Obama campaign is planning a 3p.m. event at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill., where the man who just four years ago was a state legislator there announced his presidential bid 20 months ago.

Welcome aboard Mr. Biden, it's an exciting time, the people want there government back.  We are a great nation but have lost our way under the current administration and we as a nation can do better for it's people. 

Obama/Biden 08 is the team that can turn things around.