CONCORD [-] An Atkinson business owner and past supporter of Hillary Rodham Clinton became the two millionth donor to Democrat Barack Obama’s presidential campaign over the weekend.

  Edward Prouty, 63, said the economic slump business is worse than at any other time in the 25 years that he’s owned E.M, Prouty Heating and Air Conditioning in Atkinson.

  “The depth of the malaise and the lack of the work out there for us is as bad as it’s ever been,’’ Prouty said during a telephone interview today.

   “There’s been a complete stop of new construction and also you have people afraid to spend money on anything but absolutely necessary repairs.’’

     Prouty, a registered Democrat, made a $25 donation online last week after getting an e-mail from the Obama campaign promoting its quest to reach two million donors.

   “I said that’s a worthy goal to be set, I would like to be part of that never dreaming I would be the one,’’ Prouty said.

    Obama called him Saturday afternoon

    “What a great surprise; we had a good chat for 10 minutes or so,’’ Prouty said.

   The Obama campaign earlier Monday posted the telephone call on its web site.

   “It’s folks like you that really helped this campaign work," Obama told Prouty.

    During New Hampshire’s primary campaign, Prouty said he had been torn between Obama and Clinton.

     Prouty voted for Clinton last January but said he had no difficulty migrating to Obama as the presumptive nominee.

   “I had no problem from day one; I don’t understand that,’’ Prouty said of Clinton supporters who had been reluctant to embrace Obama.

   “They were both trying to achieve the same goals, I thought they were great candidates and I felt we won either way.’’

    Prouty said he’s never met either candidate in person.

    “I think this is the first donation I’ve made to any presidential candidate,’’ he added.

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