Obama Superdelegate Round-Up
by Scout Finch
Thu May 15, 2008 at 07:50:04 PM PDT
The superdelegates continue to trickle in and Obama continues to widen his lead. This morning US Congressman Jim McDermott (superdelegate) announced his support for Obama:
Congressman McDermott said, “I am proud to endorse Barack Obama today, because I believe he will bring us together to achieve the kind of change we need in this country moving forward. As Democrats, we are fortunate to have two very talented public servants running to be the nominee of our party, and I have great respect for Senator Clinton. But I believe now is the time to unite behind Barack Obama so we can be in the strongest place possible to win in November. Barack Obama has chosen to spend his career speaking out for those who need a voice and reaching across the aisle to bring change that matters in the lives of working families. I am confident that as president, Barack Obama will end the war in Iraq and bring our sons and daughters home, he will make universal health care a reality and he will restore our moral standing in the world. Barack Obama won the race in my home state by an overwhelming margin and I am thankful that so many new voters have become engaged because of the kind of campaign he has run, and I am happy to support him today.”
He was followed by Congressman Henry Waxman and Congressman Howard Berman. Both are California superdelegates:
"Senator Obama's vision for change has inspired tens of millions of Americans," Chairman Waxman said. "And he's also proved that he has the experience, judgment, integrity, and toughness to bring real reform to Washington. Our nation faces big challenges. We need to bring our troops safely home from Iraq. We need to solve global warming and finally enact universal health care legislation. And we need to create new jobs and strengthen our middle class. Senator Obama is the leader we need both here and around the world. He will be an extraordinary President, and I look forward to working with him to make his vision for change the new reality in Washington."
"Barack Obama has laid out a foreign policy vision driven by principle and conviction, and he understands that our moral authority and our safety as a nation go hand in hand," Chairman Berman said. "I spoke with him about a number of foreign policy issues that most concern me. He assured me that he shares my views. The moment President Obama takes office, we'll send a powerful message to the world that America is back and ready to lead again—that we haven't abandoned the values that made us the light of the world, and neither should anyone else."
Communications Workers of America President, DNC member, and superdelegate Larry Cohen got on board:
I’m convinced that Senator Obama’s message of hope and ‘change we can believe in’ has resonated across our country. He is building a broad base of support, inspiring new voters to join in the political process and demonstrating great appeal to all those who are looking for positive leadership to move us beyond politics-as-usual in Washington.
The Democratic unity theme continued as the United Steelworkers Union weighed in with an Obama endorsement this morning, having previously backed John Edwards.
As a result of the Edwards endorsement, Obama began picking up former Edwards delegates, including the eight listed below. Hat tip to ourhispanicvoices for the list:
EDWARDS DELEGATES FOR OBAMA
CNN finally listed names
- Joshua Denton (NH)
- Mike Evatt (SC)
- Lauren Bilton (SC)
- Daniel Boan Kershaw(SC)
- Machelle Crum (IA)
- Christine Brennan-Bond (SC)
- Robert Groce (SC)
- Susan Smith (SC)
note: John Moylan is an alternate delegate for Edwards, if he's needed he has backed Obama.
Obama +1 Addition in NC: NC Officials have said Obama will gain an extra delegate and Clinton will lose one due to numbers becoming official and he over performing in an area.
All told, Obama picked up 13 votes and Clinton loses one vote. He's in cruise control at this point.
On a final note, for those interested in becoming a community organizer for Obama, today is the last day to apply for the Obama Organizing Fellowship. Applications are due by 11:59 PM EDT.
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