The endorsement gave Europe's drive for economic and political unity a lift.
An endorsement from the U.F.T. gives a candidate publicity and recognition.
The endorsement would give Mr. Corzine the top position on the ballot in the June primary.
His endorsement, expressed for the first time today, gives impetus to the concept, but final approval is still in doubt.
His endorsement of the airlift option gave it a major boost.
Where allowed, such an endorsement gives the document the same weight as an affidavit.
Additionally, future exhibitions and endorsements due to the Tour victory would give him another 3 to 4 million francs.
These endorsements have given Food Insurance national recognition.
But he told donors in an e-mail on Sunday that the religious leaders' endorsement had given his campaign "a shot in the arm."
"The endorsements I've been getting, from clergy to highly respected elected officials as well as labor unions, have given me a lot of momentum."