New Superdelegate -- 120.5 to go

Yesterday, Barack picked up an extra pledge delegate in North Carolina after the final tally there, and seven of John Edwards pledged delegates. Today, so far, Rep. Pete Stark of California has endorsed Barack among the superdelegates. The campaign needs 120.5 more delegates to win the nomination.

Only 24 pledged delegates are needed for Barack to clinch a majority in that all-important category, and he should garner those delegates on May 20 when both Oregon and Kentucky vote.

Here is Congressman Stark's statement:

“Senator Barack Obama has captured the imagination of Americans in a way we’ve not seen for decades. He’s inspired millions of young people to register to vote and join the ranks of our Democratic Party, he’s consistently opposed the war, he advocates universal health care, and he delivers a message that transcends party politics at the same time.

“I have the greatest respect for Senator Clinton and for her many years of service, but I believe the time has come to unify our party. The outcome we need in November is a Democratic President. To achieve that, we must turn our focus squarely on Senator McCain and his quest to continue another four years of the failed Bush agenda.

“Barack Obama is the person we need as the next President of the United States of America. I’m excited to help him achieve that goal.”