WASHINGTON - The Secret Service said Thursday that Democratic Sen. Barack Obama was being placed under its protection, the earliest ever for a presidential candidate.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff authorized Obama’s protection after consultations with the bipartisan congressional advisory committee, according to Chertoff spokesman Russ Knocke and the Secret Service.

Secret Service spokesman Eric Zahren would not provide details of what led to the extra security, but said, “I’m not aware it was based on any threat.” Department of Homeland Security officials said there were no known threats.

Obama’s rival, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, has a Secret Service detail that is provided to all former first ladies.

The agency and the department would not comment on the scope of Obama’s protection or provide any other security details. Obama’s campaign did not immediately respond to questions about whether the candidate requested the extra security.

In the last election, Democratic candidates John Kerry and John Edwards received their protection in February 2004 as they were competing for the party’s nomination. Obama’s detail comes nine months before the first votes are cast.

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