Obama's Superdelegate Surge

only 30.5 delegates to win (in today's primaries) and superdelegates to annouce. the ap has said obama has already secured enough superdelegates who will be announcing all day.
they're coming in too fast, so here's demconwatch, which has done a great job of tracking superdelegates this primary season.
so far today from demconwatch (note the one florida superdelegate):
Added DNC Maria Chappelle-Nadal (MO) for Obama- Added DNC Joyce Lalonde (MI)* for Obama- Added Rep. John Olver (MA) for Obama- Added Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI)* for Obama- Added DNC Debbie Dingell (MI)* for Obama- Added DNC Richard Wiener (MI)* for Obama- Added DNC Jennifer DeChant (ME) for Obama- Added DNC Joyce Beatty (OH) for Obama- Added DNC Kwame Kilpatrick (MI)* for Obama- Added Rep. John Spratt (SC) for Obama- Added DNC Debra Kozikowski (MA) for Obama- Added DNC Jon Ausman (FL)* for Clinton

Obama Has Delegates To Become Nominee

when the media write about obama as the "first black candidate" it surprises me because i never think of him in that way. of course, i know all too well, that it's first and foremost on people's minds, both in a good way and a bad way.

i have always thought of him as super duper obama.

but now that he's won-- though it's not official until the lady in the pantsuit sings-- i guess there will be a lot of attention being paid to his blackness because it is an historical moment, indeed, and it's a cause for big celebration. but beyond his color, i have a lot of faith that obama, if elected, or shall i say when elected, will be one of the best presidents ever.

ap: Barack Obama effectively clinched the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday, the Associated Press reported, citing its tally of convention delegates. He would become the first black candidate ever to lead a major U.S. party into a fall campaign for the White House.

NBC News has been maintaining its own tally of public commitments, which stood at Obama being 29 delegates short of the 2,118 needed.

hillary's still holding out.

ap: After the report, her campaign promptly issued a statement saying, "Senator Clinton will not concede the nomination this evening."

But the statement did not say Clinton wouldn't acknowledge Obama's delegate count, a move that would effectively end her bid to be the nation's first female president.

The AP report, which cited two campaign sources, said the former first lady would stop short of formally suspending or ending her race in her speech in New York City, but that for all intents and purposes the campaign was over.

Harold Ickes, a top campaign official, said that Clinton would not drop out of the race. Asked on MSNBC what she would say if, after primaries Tuesday in Montana and South Dakota, Obama had enough delegates to clinch the nomination, he replied: "She will say what she will say when she says it."

obama starts out with a lead over mccain.

Slew of Superdelegates For Obama

there's no question that obama will have enough delegates and superdelegates at the end of the night to be the nominee.

Today, two Michigan superdelegates endorsed Barack Obama. DNC Members Debbie Dingell and Rick Wiener backed Obama today. Earlier this morning, Michigan superdelegate Joyce Lalonde also backed Barack Obama.

Obama is 35.5 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Debbie Dingell said, “Senator Levin, Governor Granholm and other Michigan leaders have fought hard to change the Presidential nominating process to be fairer and more representative of the American electorate. While this election season may have been challenging at times, Michigan has been a significant participant in the fight for real and fundamental change. And because Michigan Democrats have led the fight for significant change, I believe that we should also be leaders in the unity process. That is why today I am joining with Rick Wiener to endorse Barack Obama for President.

“Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have run vigorous campaigns, demonstrating to the American people that Democrats are ready to lead on reform for our broken health care system, to protect and create American jobs and to responsibly end the war in Iraq. Now, as the nominating process comes to an end, it is time to unite behind Barack Obama, who will be our Democratic nominee for the White House. Senator Obama has shown me and he has shown the American people that he represents change – a change that this country desperately needs after seven and a half long years of the Bush White House. He will lead our party to victory in November, carrying Michigan for the Democrats by running a campaign focused on bringing change to working families.

“I commend Senator Clinton on a well run campaign and while she would have made a terrific President, I know that she will continue to be a tremendous leader in the United States Senate fighting with the same dynamism that we all admire her for.

“This campaign has often been marginalized in the media, with the focus frequently on race or sex or age. That is not what the campaign is about. This campaign is about the future of the United States.”

Rick Wiener said, “We have had many outstanding candidates. It is clear that Senator Obama will prevail as our nominee. It is time to unite as a party behind our candidate and close a historic primary season.”

Chicago, IL – Today, United States Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI-13) endorsed Barack Obama.

Obama is 36.5 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Congresswoman Kilpatrick said, “We are at a very important time for our nation today and we must unite together to win in November. I am proud to announce my support for Barack Obama. From his years fighting for the poor on the South Side of Chicago to his proven commitment to working families in the United States Senate, Barack has proven he can lift up our nation and put the needs of our families and children first. We need change in our country today, and we need a leader who will end the war in Iraq and end the eight years of the failed policies of George W. Bush. Our families and our children deserve more – they deserve a President who has fought for change his entire life, and brought real results. Today we are uniting behind Barack Obama, and together we can win in November.”

“Today the primary process draws to a close," said House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-SC, in a statement this morning. "From the beginning, I have made it clear that I would put the Democratic Party’s best interest first and remain publicly neutral as this process ran its course, but it is now time to make my preference known. Today I am pledging my delegate vote to Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States."

Clyburn has been officially neutral until yesterday, though he has publicly expressed disappointment at the way Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, and her husband conducted themselves during her campaign.

In addition to praising the "levels of energy and excitement that I have not witnessed since the 1960’s," the highest-ranking African-American in Congress also trotted out an electability argument about Obama, perhaps to contrast with Clinton's argument that she is more electable.

“Recent surveys indicate that Senator Obama is by far the most preferred presidential candidate among Democrats and independents," Clyburn said, "and I believe he is the most electable candidate that Democrats can offer. He will be able to dramatically change the electoral map for Democrats which will in turn expand our majorities here in Congress, and help elect more Democrats at the state and local levels. Furthermore, I believe that Senator Obama is the Democrat who can unite our people, help heal our nation’s wounds, improve our standing on the world stage, and steer our country in a new direction. What is especially exciting about Senator Obama’s candidacy is its attraction to young and independent voters. Our Party cannot hope to continue our recent successes if we don’t continue to attract new voters. Senator Obama has demonstrated the ability to draw a new map for Democrats by putting traditionally red states like Colorado, Virginia and North Carolina, and swing states like New Mexico, Missouri and Iowa in play."

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, an undeclared superdelegate, told the Republican today that he is pledging his vote at the Democratic National Convention to U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., who is expected to capture the party's nomination for the presidency after today's primaries in Montana and South Dakota.

"I think he gave more of a vision where he wanted to go," Olver said, in explaining his ultimate decision to back Obama over U.S. Sen. Hillary R. Clinton, D-N.Y. "Hillary was all about competence and experience," Olver said, but added that he was critical of her vote to allow the U.S. invasion into Iraq and that her experience was largely due to her role as First Lady and not through executive experience.

"I though Barack made a good case for himself in his presentation," Olver said. "He does a wonderful speech and really inspires people. The last several years have been really a bummer."

State Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, a national Democratic superdelegate from University City, plans to announce today that she's endorsing Barack Obama for president.

Chappelle-Nadal, 33, has been among six Missouri superdelegates who've remained neutral in the combative contest between Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton. The state's other 10 superdelegates earlier had split 5-5 between the two.

Last weekend, Chappelle-Nadal said she received more than 500 e-mails from supporters of Obama or Clinton.

She said she privately had shifted between Clinton and Obama for months. But in the end, the deciding factor was the enthusiasm that Obama has generated among young people and unaligned independents, said Chappelle-Nadal.

At 33, she is the state's youngest superdelegate.

"This is a year that the mere existence of a single candidate, Barack Obama, has inspired people in my district to believe in the greater good," Chappelle-Nadal said.

Obama Securing Superdelegates for Nomination

can it be? over tonight? hillary has no scheduled travel this week and is in new york tonight, while obama will be in st. paul, minnesota, the site of the republican convention. enough superdelegates are expected to announce their support for obama tonight after polls close.

nyt: Sensing an opportunity to shut down the nominating contest, Obama campaign advisers said that they were orchestrating an endorsement of Mr. Obama by at least eight Senate and House members who had pledged to remain uncommitted until the primaries ended, and that the endorsements would come the moment the South Dakota polls closed on Tuesday night.

The group will be led by Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, who on Monday met with three other uncommitted Democratic senators — Ken Salazar of Colorado, Thomas R. Carper of Delaware and Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland — at the offices of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in what Mr. Salazar called a unity session.
more

Congressman Super James Clyburn to Endorse Obama

they're rolling in folks. the end is near.
cnn says uncommitted superdelegates are meeting. they're expected to endorse obama.

Group of Superdelegates to Endorse Obama June 3

they're waiting until the votes are cast. obama is expected to win both south dakota and montana.

cnn: Most of the 17 Democratic senators who are uncommitted superdelegates will endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president this week, sources told CNN Monday.

The lawmakers will wait until after the South Dakota and Montana primaries Tuesday before announcing their support for Obama, two sources familiar with discussions between Obama supporters and these senators told CNN's Gloria Borger.

Obama supporters have been "pressing" for these superdelegates to endorse early this week, but according to one source, "the senators don't want to pound Hillary Clinton, and there is a sense she should be given a grace period."

Maine Superdelegate Phillips Endorses Obama

ap: AUGUSTA, Maine—Barack Obama picked up a national delegate from Maine on Sunday as the Democratic State Convention closed.

Delegates ratified the party chairman's nomination of Gwethalyn Phillips of Bangor, a former state party official, as an "unpledged add-on" delegate as specified in party rules. But Maine Democratic Party Executive Director Arden Manning said Phillips was recognized as an active Obama supporter.

Phillips, who played a lead role in the Maine presidential campaign of Bill Clinton in 1992, said in a telephone interview she has been involved with the Obama effort this time around, "in Penobscot County in particular."

Putting her in the Obama column brings Maine's national delegate total to 19 for Obama and 10 for Hillary Clinton, with three superdelegates not yet committed.

Nevada Superdelegate Gates Endorses Obama

with florida and michigan now resolved, and once obama picks up about half of the pledged delegates in the remaining primaries, obama will need about 30 more superdelegates to win the nomination. this makes 29 more.

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has picked up the support of Nevada superdelegate Yvonne Gates, nudging him closer to the nomination.

The former Clark County Commissioner and member of the national party's Rules Committee told The Associated Press late Saturday that she had been impressed by the Illinois senator's campaign.

"I have been admiring, just from afar, looking at the way they run the campaign. I have been pretty impressed with this operation," she said. "I think he would make a great president."

Obama Now 66 Delegates Away From Nomination

with the florida and michigan delegates resolved, here's the rundown of what it means. obama should be able to gain those (about) 66 delegates with delegates from the south dakota, montana and puerto rico primaries (84 delegates altogether) and superdelegates to be the nominee by june 3, when obama will be in st. paul, minnesota with michelle for a rally.
hillary is too far behind to catch up.
let's hope that the superdelegates step up to the plate and finally end this so hillary doesn't plod on to the convention.
after watching the rules and bylaws meeting, i have to wonder: what is it that hillary's supporters are really fighting for or against? they've sort of got a mob mentality going on and were highly disrespectful of the proceedings. here's a hillary supporter who's switched to obama after ickes incited the hillarys.

Superdelegate Mollohan Endorses Obama

Today, United States Congressman Alan B. Mollohan endorsed Barack Obama.
Mollohan is the 323.5th superdelegate to endorse Obama. Obama is 43 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination for president.

Congressman Mollohan said, “I believe Senator Obama will bring America a new era of trust, principled leadership and positive results. He has the intelligence, capacity and values that assure me he will confront the real issues that Americans face every day - health care, pension reform, energy prices, the struggling economy, and, of course, the issue of Iraq. “

Congressman Mollohan has represented the First District of West Virginia in the United States House of Representatives since 1983.

Superdelegate Rodriquez Changes His Mind Again

the superdelegate danger.

ABC News' Karen Travers reports: The nearly 800 Democratic superdelegates are free to support any candidate and are free to change their mind at any time, as many times as they want.

In the ABC News delegate estimate, about a dozen unpledged "superdelegates" have switched their support from Hillary Clinton to Barack Obama, but until tonight none had switched from Obama to Clinton.

Kevin Rodriquez, a superdelegate from the Virgin Islands, was supporting Clinton earlier this year, then switched to Obama and, according to the Clinton campaign tonight, is now back in the New York senator’s corner.

The Clinton campaign announced in a press release that Rodriquez was backing Hillary Clinton but did not provide a statement from Rodriquez.

on the obama superdelegate front: DNC Wayne Kinney (OR) and DNC Ben Pangelinan (GU).

the superdelegates who are uncommitted

Superdelegates Waak and Woods Endorses Obama

meridith wood smith

oregonian: For the first time in 40 years, the Oregon Democratic primary has played a pivotal role in deciding who may be our president. In casting our votes, we Oregonians understood the seriousness of our decision.

As one of the superdelegates to the Democratic convention, I've been especially aware of the importance of my choice. It's a choice that may tip the scales between two extremely well-qualified and able people.

I chose to remain neutral until the Oregon votes were counted. It seemed right not to attempt to influence that vote, to listen to both candidates' messages to Oregon voters and to wait until we knew the pledged delegate count.

I have decided to support Sen. Barack Obama.

Why Obama? Because he received the majority of the votes in the Oregon primary, and he demonstrates the leadership needed to get us out of Iraq, restore our economy, begin the tough job of providing health care for all Americans and, most of all, heal the divisions in our nation. His commitment to grass-roots organizing, similar to Howard Dean's "Fifty State Strategy," will help Democrats win our down-ticket races. His deep understanding of our Constitution ensures that he will appoint judges, to both the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, who will truly defend our constitutional rights and freedoms.

In 1960, I was too young to vote, but I was so inspired by John F. Kennedy that I worked on his campaign and continue to be motivated by his legacy of social and civic responsibility. He is one of the reasons I became chairwoman of Oregon's Democratic Party. I believe that Obama is providing that same inspiration for our next generation of leaders.

Finally, the contrast between Obama and Sen. John McCain could not be clearer. On bringing troops home from Iraq. On commitment to our Constitution. On telling the American people the truth. Obama has the ability to build -- not just talk about -- a governing majority to actually solve the major challenges facing America. more

Chicago, IL -- Today, Colorado Democratic Party Chair and superdelegate Pat Waak announced her support for Barack Obama, citing his electability and strong support in Colorado.
Waak said...

Today I am proud to announce my endorsement of Senator Barack Obama as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.

I have maintained my neutrality throughout Colorado’s selection process but feel compelled today to announce my support for several important reasons:

First, as Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, I am influenced by the voters of Colorado who have turned out in historic numbers over the past four months. Senator Obama won the precinct caucuses, county conventions, Congressional District conventions and the Colorado State Democratic Convention with over 60% of the vote and has brought thousands of new voters into the process.

Second, I believe that Sen. Obama and his message of change is what Colorado wants and that he will defeat John McCain in November. In fact, the most recent Rasmussen poll on May 19, 2008 shows a Sen. Obama with a 6-point lead in a head-to-head race and I think that margin will only increase as voters see the clear difference.

Finally, I believe that our country needs the type of visionary, uplifting leadership that Senator Obama has shown during this long campaign. In the state of Colorado his message of hope has attracted young people, new Democrats and Independent voters who will make up a winning coalition this fall.

As state party chair, I will continue to respect all the voters who have made different choices and I will ensure everyone is treated fairly. However, I believe the time has come to step forward and endorse Sen. Obama for president of the United States.

Will The Lady in the Pantsuit Sing Soon?

hillary has new ads out and she's in montana campaigning. she's showing no signs of singing. but apparently, there's going to be a superdelegate surge:

abc: The Democratic primary war will end within days of next week's final primary votes when "several dozen" superdelegates will end their silence and endorse Sen. Barack Obama, ABC's chief political correspondent George Stephanopoulos reported Tuesday.

When asked by "Good Morning America" what the chances are of Sen. Hillary Clinton continuing her fight for the nomination into the Democrats' August convention, Stephanopoulos replied, "Zero."

"There's so many superdelegates out there who agreed with what Jimmy Carter said," Stephanopoulos said. Former President Carter said last week that once the voting was over he felt that "at that point it will be time for her to give it up."

"Once these contests are done, you'll see several dozen superdelegates go his [Obama's] way following June 3," Stephanopoulos said.

That surge of support will be enough to put Obama's delegate count over the top and allow him to claim the nomination, he said.

Wyoming Superdelegate Drummond Endorses Obama

Today, superdelegate and Wyoming Democratic Party Vice Chair Nancy Drummond endorsed Barack Obama for President, citing his advocacy for veterans.

Drummond is the 318.5th superdelegate to endorse Obama, who is now 48 delegates away from capturing the Democratic nomination.

Drummond said...

After much thought and prayer, I feel the time has come for me to endorse a presidential candidate. This isn't a decision I have taken lightly but after listening, watching and reading about both candidates, I feel that Senator Obama is the candidate that can lead this Country in the direction I would like to see us go.

His position on education, his work with senior citizens and his advocacy for union members and veterans make me proud to support Senator Obama.

My husband was a Marine during Vietnam -- he was one of many vets that has VA Benefits. The men and women in the military and their families are giving the ultimate sacrifice now and I support Senator Obama's plan to honor their service by improving their healthcare, taking care of issues related to combat duty and caring for our homeless vets.

We have two incredible candidates and I will support which ever one is our candidate but as I said back in March I wanted to be sure to represent Wyoming well as the Vice Chair of the Wyoming Democratic Party. At both our caucuses and our State Convention, the majority said they want Senator Obama to be our Candidate to run for President. So with that being said, while I certainly respect and admire Senator Clinton's tenacity, I have proudly decided to endorse Senator Barack Obama.

Obama Adds 3 Hawaii Superdelegates

49 to go. obama picked up 3 more superdelegates from hawaii:

ap: Hawai'i Democrats selected three Obama supporters to fill its remaining superdelegate slots at their state convention Sunday, including the new chair and vice chair of the party.

Chairman Brian Schatz and vice chairwoman Kari Luna say they will support Obama at the national convention. State Democrats chose retired Judge James Burns, also an Obama supporter, as the final superdelegate.

Obama Adds Five Superdelegates Today

obama only needs 56 more delegates.
first, there is the former hillary backer:

cnn: California congressmen Jim Costa and Dennis Cardoza are endorsing the Illinois senator, according to a statement released by his campaign.

“While I continue to greatly respect and admire Senator Clinton and feel she has made history with her campaign, I believe that Senator Obama will inevitably be our party’s nominee for President,” Cardoza, who had previously supported Sen. Hillary Clinton, said in the statement.

Cardoza also waded into the controversy over seating the Florida and Michigan delegations at the Democratic convention. “I will not support changing the rules in the fourth quarter of this contest through some convoluted DNC rules committee process. Yet, we must find a resolution” to the situation with Florida and Michigan, Cardoza said. “I believe we need to avoid this potentially divisive situation by uniting behind one nominee and bringing the party together immediately,” he added.

Costa said electability had helped drive his decision. “In my opinion, it is clear that Senator Obama will be the strongest presidential nominee for the Democratic Party,” Costa said in the statement released by the campaign.

Today, United States Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) and United States Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA-18) endorsed Barack Obama for president. Congressman Cardoza previously supported Senator Hillary Clinton.

Congressman Cardoza said...

This is the most important election of my lifetime. While I continue to greatly respect and admire Senator Clinton and feel she has made history with her campaign, I believe that Senator Obama will inevitably be our party’s nominee for President. He has proven himself to be a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and inspirational leader and will take America in a new direction, which we desperately need.

The Bush Administration has been a huge disappointment. Mr. McCain, while certainly an American hero, represents more of the same failed Bush policies.

I am deeply concerned about the contentious primary campaign and controversy surrounding the seating of delegates from Florida and Michigan – two states Democrats need to win in November. I will not support changing the rules in the fourth quarter of this contest through some convoluted DNC rules committee process. Yet, we must find a resolution to seat the Michigan and Florida delegates so these states’ voters are represented at the Convention. I believe we need to avoid this potentially divisive situation by uniting behind one nominee and bringing the party together immediately. Therefore, I have made the decision to support Senator Obama at the Democratic Convention in my role as a super delegate.


Congressman Costa said...

It’s been a long presidential primary season, and now is time to bring it to a close. I have tremendous respect for Senator Barack Obama, Senator Hillary Clinton, and all the candidates who ran for the nomination. In my opinion, it is clear that Senator Obama will be the strongest presidential nominee for the Democratic Party.

I did not come to this decision without careful consideration. Our nation is faced with serious challenges here at home and abroad. Because the next Administration and 111th Congress will face such difficult and divisive issues involving our energy needs, greater fiscal responsibility and international security, it is imperative that we have someone who truly has the skill to bring out nation together and close the partisan divide. I believe Senator Obama has the leadership skills to bridge the differences that exist today.

In my conversations with Senator Obama, I explained to him that our San Joaquin Valley is the number one agricultural region in the country and in the world. Before the election in November, he needs to come to our Valley and understand the water challenges we face, the diversity of our farm crops, and the combination of the wonderful ethnic communities that make up Valley families, which is truly a reflection of our nation.

blue oregon: By Jenny Greenleaf of Portland, Oregon. Jenny was elected as Oregon's DNC Committeewoman in 2004. In 2006, she contributed, "Will you have Howard's back?"

The netroots is my political home and where I got started, so I have chosen to announce my endorsement here on BlueOregon.

The voters of Oregon have spoken, and I have listened.

I will be supporting Senator Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in August. Senator Obama has the vision and leadership ability to move this country forward and to undo the damage done by the Bush administration. I am proud to support him in this endeavor and will do whatever I can to make sure Oregon's electoral votes are Democratic this fall.

ap: Two of John Edwards' New Hampshire delegates said Friday they will back Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.

State Sen. Peter Burling and high school teacher Deborah Nelson announced their decision at a news conference Friday morning. In a phone interview before the announcement, Burling told The Associated Press that he and Nelson believe either Obama or Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton would make a superb president, but it came down to "who can win and who could make a better president."

"We chose Obama because he so clearly understands the American yearning for change," Burling said. "He understands it, he embraces it, and I think he has the leadership to deliver it."

Superdelegate Dowdy Endorses Obama

Today, Mississippi Democratic Party Chair, Superdelegate and former United States Congressman Wayne Dowdy endorsed Barack Obama.

Dowdy is the 308.5th superdelegate to endorse Obama. Obama is now 61 delegates away from securing the nomination, and has won a majority of the pledged delegates.

We have two very talented candidates running for the Democratic nomination, but it’s clear to me that now is the time for our party to unite behind Barack Obama and build a strong, winning campaign to beat John McCain in the fall. Obama has shown he has the strength, skills and the leadership to be our Democratic nominee and take on the failed policies of the last eight years. John McCain has proven that on many issues, including continuing the war in Iraq and promoting the failed economic policies of the last eight years, a John McCain presidency will only be a continuation of the failed policies of the Bush presidency. It’s time for a change in leadership, and only Barack Obama can bring the kind of change we can believe in. He won our state of Mississippi decisively on March 11th, and I’m proud to support him today.

Superdelegate Courtney Endorses Obama

Though he had said he was going to wait until the last of the primaries was over, Rep. Joe Courtney decided to instead make his pick for a Democratic candidate clear this morning, chosing Sen. Barack Obama.

Courtney's was the only district in Connecticut that was won -- in a narrow margin -- by Sen. Hillary Clinton. So, unlike the rest of the state's congressional delegation, he had held out on a presidential endorsement, leaving himself among the last remaining superdelegates.

Superdelegates Brennan and Bordallo Endorse Obama

DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Democratic Chairman Scott Brennan will announce on Tuesday his endorsement of Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination, The Associated Press has learned.

The decision adds more momentum for Obama in an important swing state likely to be hard fought in November.

Obama leads Hillary Rodham Clinton nationally in the tally of superdelegates — elected officials and party leaders who are not bound by primary or caucus results.

Obama has plenty to be encouraged about as he surveys the political landscape in Iowa. His campaign got a major boost in January with his solid win in Iowa's leadoff precinct caucuses, which propelled him to front-runner status and put a significant dent in Clinton's hopes.

Now he has endorsements from seven of Iowa's 11 superdelegates, compared to Clinton's three. Sen. Tom Harkin is Iowa's only uncommitted superdelegate.

CHICAGO, IL – Guam Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo endorsed Barack Obama today, saying she believes he is the right candidate to move our nation forward.
“Today I have pledged my support as a superdelegate to Senator Barack Obama. Senator Obama offers us the leadership needed to address the challenges Guam and our nation will face in the coming years.

Senator Obama is working very closely with Senator Patrick Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, and other Senate leaders to secure more support for H.R. 1595, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act. Senator Obama fully understands and supports the efforts to seek full recognition for the patriotism and suffering endured by the people of Guam during enemy occupation in World War II.

Senator Obama has also pledged to help improve Guam's economy, including through opportunities with the military build-up—an issue I have worked very hard on since taking office—and I believe he is the right candidate to help move Guam and our nation forward given the challenges we face in our world today.”

Senator Obama said, “I thank Congresswoman Bordallo for her support. Senator Bordallo has been fighting to ensure that the people of Guam have a voice in Washington. I look forward to working with her to ensure that young people in Guam have the education and opportunities they need to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.”

Bordallo is the 306.5th superdelegate to endorse Obama, who is 107 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Alaska Superdelegates Endorse Obama

Alaska superdelegates Cindy Spanyers and Blake Johnson announced their support today for Barack Obama, citing his ability to move the country in a new direction and his understanding of Alaskan issues:

Senator Obama is committed to Alaskans and establishing important ties to the state. He recognizes Alaska's role in our future in energy and is sensitive to the challenges we face due to high-energy costs across the state, from Juneau to Fairbanks and across rural Alaska.

Alaskans responded overwhelmingly to his campaign in February, coming out in droves in sub-zero weather. His candidacy captured the imagination of thousands of new voters, including Republicans and non-partisans who responded to his message of change. Senator Obama will work to end the war in Iraq; provide affordable health care to all Americans; and strengthen our economy by creating good paying jobs.