US senator Tim Kaine endorses Hillary Clinton for 2016 presidential run

Of running for president, Clinton said in April that she was 'going to continue to think about it for a while'. Photograph: Susan Walsh/AP

Hillary Clinton has attracted another endorsement for president in 2016, despite not having committed to run.

Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia - a former governor of the state now governed by Terry McAuliffe, a Clinton ally - on Saturday used Twitter to announce his support for the former first lady, New York senator and secretary of state. He said: 'Today I encouraged Hillary Clinton to run for president [and] pledged my support for her candidacy if she does.'

Recent polls showed Clinton with a lead of more than 50% over other potential Democratic candidates to succeed President Barack Obama in office, including the vice-president, Joe Biden, who has flirted with the issue in recent weeks.

Kaine added: 'She understands the challenges facing Americans from all walks of life and has the compassion and skill necessary to help improve our everyday lives.'

Kaine, who backed Obama over Clinton in the 2008 primaries, also announced his support at a Democratic meeting in South Carolina. It was reported that he told the meeting Clinton's background in foreign policy strengthened her candidacy.

Other senior Democrats have already backed Clinton - who in April said she was 'going to continue to think about it for a while' - for 2016. Senators Claire McCaskill, of Missouri, and New York's Charles Schumer have publicly announced their support; the 16 Democratic women in the Senate sent Clinton a letter urging her to enter the race.

Other potential Democratic candidates include the first-term Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, who is currently on a high-profile book tour, although she has disavowed any interest in the nomination, and Martin O'Malley, the governor of Maryland.

Potential Republican nominees from the Senate include Rand Paul of Kentucky, who has said he is 'definitely' considering a run; the Texas Tea Party favourite Ted Cruz; and Marco Rubio of Florida, who on Saturday gave the Republican weekly address. Chris Christie, the scandal-hit governor of New Jersey, and Scott Walker of Wisconsin have also been courting potential donors.

Last month Jeb Bush, brother of President George W Bush and son of President George HW Bush - and a former governor of Florida - said he would decide on a run by the end of the year.

Clinton's husband, Bill, defeated George HW Bush in the 1992 presidential election and was succeeded in the Oval Office by George W Bush.

On Saturday, Clinton received the Order of Lincoln, Illinois' highest award for public service.