U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson has endorsed fellow Rep. Ron Paul in the presidential race ahead of next week's Illinois primary.

Johnson, in a news release Tuesday, called Paul a friend and "1 of the most principled men I have ever met."

Johnson is hosting Paul at a campaign stop Wednesday night on the University of Illinois campus. A Johnson spokesman said Paul is appearing at Johnson's invitation.

Johnson is an Urbana Republican. He faces Michael Firsching of Moro in the March 20 Illinois primary.