A local lawmaker shared the spotlight with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) as he was honored Sunday for his work as a U.S. representative.

Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) ? who serves Westchester, Rockland and the Bronx ? celebrated his 10th term in Congress with a ceremony at Rockland Community College in Suffern. Although Clinton wasn't present, Engel wholeheartedly backed the junior senator. Engel confirmed Clinton told him about her decision to run up to six weeks ago. Engel says he considers both Bill and Hillary Clinton friends and valuable political allies.

Many local lawmakers in attendance agreed, saying Clinton's strong stance on education and health care make her a model candidate. Some even say they would like to see Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) run as Clinton's vice president.