Superdelegates lined up for Barack Obama

Barack Obama has picked up more superdelegates reducing the total needed to 33. And reportedly dozens more are lined up to endorse either today or tomorrow. These superdelegates, if they come through, together with the pledged delegates that Obama will pick up later today in Montana and South Dakota should put him over the top.

If this happens, Hillary Clinton has two choices. She can release her delegates and supporters and unite them behind Barack. Or she can continue to fight for superdelegates, and even pledged delegates, throughout the summer to the convention in August. Most analysts will agree that if she chooses the latter it possibly could endanger the Democrats chances. By August there will be precious little time to organize the mass effort needed to win in November.

There are conflicting reports as to whether Clinton will concede or not.

The new superdelegates that have joined Obama are House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) , Rep. Jim Spratt (D-SC), Edwards pledged delegate Tim Moore of South Carolina, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI-13), Florida Edwards delegate Fred K. McDowell, State Rep. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, Michigan DNC Member Debbie Dingell , Michigan DNC Member Rick Wiener and Michigan superdelegate Joyce Lalonde.

Here is House Majority Whip James Clyburn's statement.

“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."

Four More Superdeletates for Barack -- 41.5 to go

Four more superdelegates endorsed Sen. Barack Obama today.

Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence, Michigan Education Association President Lu Battaglieri, Florida Democratic Party Secretary Janee Murphy and Democratic National Committee member David McDonald announced their support for Barack.

Now only 41.5 delegates are needed to clinch the nomination. Earlier in the day, two superdelegates joined the Obama campaign.


Barack Obama meets with Rite Aid distribution plant workers in Waterford, Michigan



To make calls to South Dakota or Montana, click on the following button.

Two More Superdelegates -- 44 to go

With the last contests of the primary tomorrow, two new superdelegates have endorsed Sen. Barack Obama today bringing the number needed to win the nomination to 44.

Virginia superdelegate Democratic National Committee Member Jerome Wiley Segovia
joined Barack saying:

While sharing the valuable international experience of spending a portion of my formative years overseas in a similar fashion as Senator Obama, I am excited to add my support to a campaign that has clearly demonstrated a commitment to an inclusive national field campaign, has shattered all previous campaign fundraising records, and is supportive of alternative sources of energy to begin to solve our energy crisis. I believe that with Senator Obama's leadership the DNC and all Democratic party groups and programs can continue building upon the amazing progress already begun by Governor Dean and his team.

Connecticut Democratic State Party Chairwoman and superdelegate Nancy DiNardo also endorsed Barack today.

Senator Barack Obama has helped to energize thousands upon thousands of Democrats in Connecticut and across the country. He has inspired the electorate and won their confidence by demonstrating sound judgment, strength of spirit, dedication to those in need, and belief in the transforming power of community. Although we are blessed to have two outstanding candidates for the Democratic nomination this year, Senator Obama was the choice of Connecticut Democrats on February 5th, and he is my choice to head the ticket in November.

As Chairwoman of the State Democratic Party, I believe not only is it important for me to reflect the sentiment of our Party, but I also have a responsibility to endorse the candidate who will help unite the many voices of our Party in its commitment to change and to building a secure future for generations to come. Senator Obama offers Connecticut and our country a chance for such unity – at healing the divisions caused by years of war, deficits, and partisan wrangling. He shares Connecticut’s and our nation’s concern for building strong communities and re-building our economy ravaged by Republican policies.

More fundamentally, Senator Obama understands the everyday struggles of Americans and is devoted to realizing the vision of a nation in which we and our families, friends and neighbors can earn a decent wage, secure affordable healthcare and housing, send our children to good schools, heat our homes, and breathe clean air. Senator Obama’s experience as a community activist and his record in Congress demonstrates his focus on these issues and his ability to effect change without becoming ensnared by and beholden to the political establishment.

Senator Obama has built his campaign on an appeal to the deep-seated goodness of America – the goodness that all Americans intuitively understand. I would encourage every citizen of Connecticut to take a close look at Senator Obama’s policies for our State and our great country, and to make the right choice and VOTE OBAMA in November!

Obama News On Sunday

People are voting in Puerto Rico today with 55 delegates at stake. Also today, a Nevada superdelegate endorsed Barack Obama.

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."

The RNC ruled favorably toward the Obama position on Florida and Michigan yesterday. I suspect that after Tuesday, we should see many superdelegate holdouts coming out on one side or another. Since Obama will still hold the lead in pledged delegates, we should expect that he will get most of the endorsements.


Here is a video of Barack talking about small businesses in Aberdeen, South Dakota.







There are two more days until the last contests in Montana and South Dakota on Tuesday. Find out how you can help by clicking on the links below.

Two Texas Superdelegates Join Obama -- 41 to go

Two Texas superdelegates -- Texas Democratic Party chairman Boyd Richie and Democratic National Committee member Betty Richie -- have endorsed Barack Obama today. Only 41 more delegates are needed to gain the nomination. On Sunday, 55 pledged delegates are up for grabs in Puerto Rico, and another 31 on Tuesday in Montana and South Dakota.


Obama Events in South Dakota

May 31

Town Hall Meeting with Barack Obama
in Rapid City, SD

May 31

Town Hall Meeting with Barack Obama
in Aberdeen, SD

Jun 1

Rally with Barack Obama
in Mitchell, SD

Three More Superdelegates Join Barack Obama

Sen. Barack Obama picked up three more superdelegates today -- Colorado Democratic Party Chair and superdelegate Pat Waak, Oregon Democratic Party Chair Meredith Wood Smith and Guam Senator and Democrat National Committeeman Ben C. Pangelinan.

Barack now needs 46 more delegates for the nomination.

Here is Pangelinan's statement:

I am honored to cast this most crucial and valuable vote to determine the next President of the United States. It is because of the nature of this vote, that I have taken such deliberate and measured consideration before making my decision” stated the Senator and former Speaker of the Guam Legislature.

While both Democratic candidates will be great for America and great for Guam, Senator Obama is my choice. I believe he is the best candidate to deliver on the promise that is America, for all of America.

In speaking to members of both teams, I have come to trust in Senator Obama’s commitment to turning the promises on the issues that are important to the people of Guam, into progress for the people of Guam.

Barack Obama picks up four superdelegates

Barack Obama added four more superdelegates today reducing the number of delegates he needs to win the nomination to 58.

Congressman Dennis Cardoza of California, a former Clinton supporter, announced his support for Obama today: “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."

Obama's campaign also announced the endorsement of California congressman, Jim Costa.

Two former supporters of John Edwards from New Hampshire, State Senator Peter Burling of Cornish and Deborah Nelson of Hanover, plan to announce their switch to Obama at a news conference this morning, the Associated Press reported.

Obama News on Wednesday

Sen. Barack Obama picked up the endorsements of the United Mine Workers of America and superdelegate Rep. Joe Courtney giving him only 62 delegates more to go for the nomination.

Here's the statement from UMWA:

We are extremely proud to make this endorsement today. Sen. Obama shares the values of UMWA members and our families. He understands and will fight for the needs our members have today and the hopes our members have for a secure future for themselves and their families.

Most of all, Sen. Obama will implement the clear change in direction UMWA members–indeed, all American working people–must have if they are to once again move forward and have a true opportunity to realize the American dream. After eight years of being pushed aside by an administration which neither respects nor values the contributions American working families make to our society, we are looking forward with great anticipation to a new era in our nation starting with the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009.

Today, Barack Obama spoke before 15,000 people in Tampa Bay, Florida. Watch the video.

Five Superdelegates Join Barack Obama

Five superdelegates endorsed Sen. Barack Obama today.

Washington State Democratic Party Chairman Dwight Pelz, Kansas Democratic Party Chair Larry Gates, Alaska superdelegates Cindy Spanyers and Blake Johnson and West Virginia Sen. Robert C. Byrd announced the support for Barack. Here is the report of Bryd's endorsement from the Charleston Gazette.

Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., endorsed Barack Obama for president shortly after noon today, focusing on his hope to end the Iraq War.

"As people all across this great nation know, I have been one of the most outspoken opponents of the Bush administration's misguided war in Iraq and its saber rattling around the globe," Byrd said.

He said he had "no intention of involving myself in the Democratic campaign for President in the midst of West Virginia's primary election. But the stakes this November could not be higher."

Byrd praised both Obama and Hillary Clinton, saying their "integrity, honor, love for this country and strong belief in our Constitution I deeply respect...

"Barack Obama is a noble-hearted patriot and humble Christian, and he has my full faith and support," Byrd concluded.

Barack in Portland, Oregon

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.”

Obama News on Thursday

Sen. Barack Obama has picked up four more superdelegates and the endorsement of a major union today.

The United Steelworkers and superdelegates, Larry Cohen, Communications Workers of America President; Congressmen Henry Waxman, Howard Berman and Jim McDermott all announced their support for Obama.

Here is the statement from the United Steelworkers.

When the presidential primary contests began last year, our Union felt strongly that because of Senator John Edwards’s deep commitment to working people and because of our shared beliefs, he deserved our strong endorsement. His belief that unfair trade policies must be changed, his commitment to pass the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) to restore workers’ rights to freely choose workplace representation, and his proposal for universal health care were widely shared by our members.

Today, by virtue of a unanimous vote of our International Executive Board, we find ourselves once again in agreement with Senator Edwards, this time with his decision last evening to endorse Senator Barack Obama. And thus today, the United Steelworkers enthusiastically endorses Senator Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States.

Senator Obama’s call for a significant change of direction amounts to far more than a compelling rallying cry. It is buttressed by his record of consistent support for workers, by his call for sweeping changes to our health care system, by his unflinching support for Employee Free Choice, and by his insistence that America’s trade policies must, first and foremost, serve the interests of America’s working families.

Senator Obama has shown his commitment to working families by proposing significant investments in the future of American manufacturing, in the revitalization of our nation’s infrastructure, and in 21st century clean energy technologies that will lead to significant growth in domestic jobs. He is clearly the candidate who can best lead our nation out of the dark period of economic decline created by the Bush administration’s allegiance to Wall Street profiteering at the expense of worker prosperity.

We share Senator Obama’s call for significant changes to these bankrupt policies, just as we earlier shared Senator Edwards’ And all of us, including we hope Senator Clinton for whom we have the utmost respect, must now do everything we can to ensure that Barack Obama is the next President of the United States. Now is the time for contention and division to cease, and for us to unite behind the changes for which Senator Obama and our members are calling.

America’s workers cannot afford another four years of rehashed Bush administration policies, another four years in which the National Labor Relations Board shills for corporate misconduct, or another four years of a Secretary of the Treasury who considers it his “job” to bail out Wall Street speculators at the expense of hard working families loosing their homes.

Nor can those of us who are committed to changing the direction of the country afford any more racial profiling of an election, when either Democratic candidate would be far superior to Senator McCain’s lock-step commitment to four more years of the broken Bush economy and the broken Bush foreign policies.

We are proud and honored to join Senator Edwards in endorsing Senator Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States. We commit ourselves to working tirelessly for his election and for a new age of cooperation among Democrats, Independents and thoughtful Republicans alike in which working Americans are restored to a place of dignity in society and in the American economy.

Obama News on Wednesday

Barack Obama is campaigning now more for the general election than the primary. He appeared to day in Michigan talking about green manufacturing, and last night he discussed the economy in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. These are both important swing states that could go either way this November.

The victory yesterday of a Democrat in a Mississippi Republican stronghold is yet more evidence than many more states may "swing" than would be expected using traditional red state, blue state maps. Hillary Clinton's arguments on electability really do not take into account important new demographic trends.

More Superdelegates for Obama

Today, four more superdelegates have hopped aboard the Obama train.

From the College Democrats of America (CDA), CDA President Lauren Wolfe and CDA Vice President Awais Khaleel announced their support for Obama. Indiana Rep. Pete Visclosky and Democrats Abroad Chair and superdelegate Christine Schon Marques also threw their support to Obama.



CDA President and Vice President express their support for Barack Obama.


Barack talks about the economy last night in Missouri.

More Superdelegates Join Obama

Four more superdelegates have endorsed Barack Obama so far today. Indiana Rep. Joe Donnelly, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, DC Superdelegate Anita Bonds and former DNC chief Roy Romer all announced their support for the Illinois senator.

Donnelly said:

"Today, I am pleased to announce my support for Barack Obama. At a time when too many Americans have lost faith in their government, Senator Obama can move us beyond the politics of stalemate and gridlock that has kept us from meeting the monumental challenges of our time: our dependence on foreign oil, a health care gap that leaves tens of millions uninsured, the steady deterioration of our manufacturing base, and an economy that is not working for working people.

"The Democratic Party's strength comes from its core commitment to the American Dream and from a coalition that is ideologically, economically, geographically and ethnically diverse. Barack Obama will stand with working families while building that coalition so that we can change this country, and that's why he's the best choice for America."

And here is Mayor Nagin's statement:

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Senator Obama worked to help address the needs of our Gulf Coast communities. As the Gulf Coast continues to rebuild, other cities have faced tragic disasters across this country. Therefore, it is critical that this country's infrastructure and emergency response systems are evaluated and rebuilt to sustain our cities and protect our families. What happened in Louisiana should never happen again.

I have learned firsthand that a unified constituency can make what seems impossible, possible. Senator Obama represents a new generation of leadership, one that can help heal the divisions of the past and unify this country so that together we can build a stronger future.

Since the immediate days following the storm, I have been travelling to our nation’s capitol to advocate for policies that aid our rebuilding effort. I know firsthand, we desperately need the leadership of someone committed to changing the system in Washington that can hold us back from moving forward. For these reasons, I endorse Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nominee.

Barack now only needs 146 more delegates to win the nomination.

Superdelegates Flock to Obama

The superdelegate endorsements are rolling in today for Barack Obama.

So far, Sen. Daniel Akaka and DNC member Dolly Strazar of Hawai'i, Rep. Tom Allen of Maine and Idaho DNC member Keith Roark have declared their support for Obama.

Here is Sen. Akaka's statement.

For more than a year, people have asked me who I plan to endorse for President of the United States. I’ve waited this long for several reasons. The Democratic campaign began with more than ten declared candidates. As a veteran of more than 30 years on Capitol Hill, I knew each and everyone of them and had worked closely with all. I had no doubt that each of them had the knowledge and ability to lead our country out of the financial and diplomatic chaos that we’ve experienced for the past eight years.

Having waged a number of campaigns myself, I can tell you they are not easy. Campaigns are tests, and there’s no tougher one than running for President. Like many Americans, I’ve followed the campaign for President closely and with growing interest, eager to see which candidate would articulate a vision for our country, encourage hope and renew faith in our government, and stand to the rigors of a nationwide contest.

After giving it a lot of thought, I’ve decided that for me, that candidate is Barack Obama.

Rather than echo his supporters or review his platform on health care, the environment, or the war in Iraq, I want to add a different voice to those who believe Senator Obama would make a fine President. He is the antidote we need to cure Washington of the uninspired, partisan politics that has plagued our country far too long.

What makes him uniquely qualified? A March 2008 feature in Vanity Fair magazine offers a clue: “He was born and came of age in Hawaii, the 50th state and in many ways among the freest-thinking, where mixed-race ancestry is …a given... If Obama comes across as a bit of a softy—if you don’t see the toughness or the ambition at first—it may be in part because he spent his formative years in a place where ‘Live Aloha’ had not yet become a slogan aimed at recapturing a more gracious time, but was simply a way of life.”

I have great hope, that in his own way, Barack Obama will achieve what I have been working to accomplish my entire Congressional career, more tolerance and understanding, an appreciation for common goals and interests, rather than an emphasis on our differences.

While I am pledging my support to Senator Obama, I want to make it very clear that I hold both Senator Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton in the highest regard as colleagues and friends. Senator Clinton has campaigned hard and well and I wish her all the best as we move forward. In an example of her leadership and commitment, Senator Clinton has promised that come November, the Democratic Party will be united behind our presidential nominee and I send her my fondest aloha for her courage and selflessness.

CA Superdelegate Crystal Strait supports Barack Obama

Today, Crystal Strait, one of the superdelegates I happen to know personally, endorsed Barack Obama. The former president of the California Young Democrats released this statement.

While representing the Young Democrats of America at the DNC, my number one priority is to ensure that young people are fully represented at the polls and in the Party. Barack Obama has shown a real commitment to young voters in his campaign and in response young people have overwhelmingly voted and caucused for Obama in these primary contests. We know that if a young person votes three times in a row for a Party, they become a Party voter for life. We know that because of high youth turnout in 2004 and 2006, 2008 is the third and critical election for young voters. And that's why I know I want to pledge my delegate vote to Barack Obama.

Barack needs 155 more delegates to win the nomination.


Gov. Kathleen Sebelius talks about Vote for Change, the Obama campaign voter registration drive aimed at getting more people involved in the process.

More Superdelegates for Obama: 156 to go

The number of delegates that Barack Obama needs to win the nomination shrunk to 156 after House Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) and two Virgin Island superdelegates endorsed the Illinois senator today.

Carole Burke and Kevin Rodriquez of the Virgin Islands threw their support to Obama. Rodriguez said:

While I have great respect for Senator Clinton, today I am announcing my support for Barack Obama. Senator Obama has brought a new generation and energy into the democratic process and the Democratic Party. He has shown he can connect with Democrats, Republicans and Independents across this country, whether we live on the mainland or an island. Senator Obama’s judgment to lead, courage to tell the truth and commitment to working men and women make him the best candidate to lead this country forward.

Mitchell made this statement about his endorsement:

I’m proud to support Barack Obama for President. Senator Obama and I worked together last year to improve care for our soldiers and veterans in the wake of the scandal at Walter Reed, and I know that, as President, he will work hard for our men and women in uniform. Like the primary voters of my congressional district, which Senator Obama carried, I am inspired by Barack’s vision for America, his ability to unify our country and bring much-needed to change to Washington.

Four more Superdelegates for Obama

Barack Obama picked up four more superdelegates today for a total of eight so far on Friday. The new endorsements are:

* The campaign has announced via press release the endorsement of Congresswoman Mazie Hirono of Hawaii.

* New Mexico add-on super-del Laurie Weahkee, who was selected as an uncommitted super, has announced for Obama.

* The Obama campaign has announced the support of South Carolina state party vice chair Wilber Lee Jeffcoat.

* California DNC member Vernon Watkins has endorsed Obama, saying simply: “The election is over, everybody knows that. Obama has won.”

Here is what Mazie Hirono had to say about her endorsement:

Today I announce my endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. I do so after watching these historic campaigns unfold across our country, where hundreds of thousands of people participated as never before. It is clear that Americans want our country back on a course of hope and opportunity.

I make my announcement with deep respect and admiration for Hillary Clinton. She is an extraordinary woman. However, it is time to unite the party behind Senator Obama and to use our energy and resources to defeat Senator John McCain. Barack Obama can unite our Party and our country and bring about the positive changes Americans want.

Of course, all of us are especially proud of Senator Obama's deep roots here in our state, and overwhelmingly embraced his candidacy in our recent caucus. His love for Hawaii and understanding of its diversity have given him a foundation for understanding the diversity of our country. I am proud to endorse Senator Obama and I look forward to a winning campaign.

Union and Four Superdelegates Endorse Barack Obama

Sen. Barack Obama picked four superdelegates today and the endorsement of an important union.

The American Federation of Government Employees and its president John Gage endorsed Obama today.

"Our people, I think, recognize the enthusiasm and vitality behind Senator Obama's campaign," AFGE President John Gage said. Gage is also a superdelegate.

The other superdelegate endorsements are Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Donald Payne (D-NJ); and DNC member Ed Espinosa of California.

Obama now needs only 163 more delegates to clinch the nomination.

30 Superdelegates to Endorse Obama?

Drudge.com says that 30 superdelegates are set to endorse Sen. Barack Obama over the next 48 hours giving James Zogby as the source of the information.

Zogby also reportedly said that party elders and officials will begin pressuring Hillary Clinton to exit the race and unite the party behind Barack.

There is some talk that Hillary may begin campaigning for the VP spot instead.

National Voter Registration Day: This Saturday

by Christopher Hass, Wednesday, May 07, 2008 at 06:07 PM

This Saturday, we're launching Vote for Change, an unprecedented 50-state voter registration and mobilization drive. In one day more than 100 events will be held across the country, with at least one event in every single state. No matter where you live, you can find an event near you. After a brief training, we’ll hit the streets to register voters.

The events this Saturday will kick-off of a six-month voter registration drive that could reshape the electoral map. If more Americans get involved, get registered and show up to vote, we can change Washington this November.

Recent voter registration drives have registered more than 200,000 new Democrats in Pennsylvania, more than 165,000 new Democrats in North Carolina, and more than 150,000 new Democrats in Indiana. Those numbers just scratch the surface of what's possible.

With this election, we have the chance to ensure that more voters than ever take an active stake in our country’s future.

Click on a state below to find an event near you:

Obama News on Wednesday

Brian Cardarella is donating half of his Bush stimulus check to the Obama campaign, and he's encouraging others to consider donating a portion of their checks. Obviously, the Bush economy makes it harder for many people to donate, but that hasn't stopped Barack from breaking all fundraising records.


Today, Barack picked up three additional superdelegates, former Clinton supporter and South Dakota senator George McGovern was said to have switched to Obama after asking Hillary to concede.

Barack now needs 170 more delegates to gain the nomination. From barackobama.com:

Three Superdelegates Endorse Obama; Delegate Countdown - 170 To Go

by Sam Graham-Felsen, Wednesday, May 07, 2008 at 11:51 AM

Chicago, IL – The day after Barack Obama’s commanding victory in North Carolina and tight finish in Indiana, three superdelegates today endorsed Barack Obama.

The three previously uncommitted superdelegates endorsing Obama are North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Meek, North Carolina DNC member Jeanette Council, and California DNC member Inola Henry.

These endorsements brings the total number of superdelegates to endorse Obama to 261. Senator Obama is 170 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Chairman Meek said, “Over the past year, I’ve watched as Barack Obama has drawn countless new people to the political process. Although my position as State Chair has led me to remain neutral through the primary, I’ve quietly celebrated as Barack Obama offered new hope to millions of Americans who have lost faith in the American dream after years of disastrous Republican policies. Rarely does a public servant emerge with Barack Obama’s ability to unite our country and produce real change. With Barack Obama as our nominee, North Carolina can deliver its electoral votes to a Democrat and Democratic candidates up and down the ballot will benefit. Barack Obama offers the best chance to take back the White House, elect countless democrats down-ballot, and breathe new life into the Democratic Party.”

Jeanette Council said, “I am pleased today to be endorsing Barack Obama as he continues to unite Americans for change. This election is a unique opportunity for all Americans and Barack Obama’s campaign has inspired and changed the entire face of our country. His campaign has mobilized new people and welcomed people of all ages, races, backgrounds, attracted everyone from first time voters to voters who have participated their entire adult lives. The way he has built a campaign that reflects his message of hope and change and brought all different communities to the table is unlike any campaign I have ever seen.”

Council added, “I am first and foremost a Democrat and the Democratic Party is truly the party of the people, the party of inclusion that wants to engage all people in the political process. This is what Barack Obama has done. Seeing this happen, especially here in North Carolina, has changed me forever and given me hope that we can change this country. I put much thought, consideration and most importantly prayer into this decision, and today I know I am backing a candidate who can put our country on the right path. I’m proud to endorse him today.”

Let's keep building the momentum. It's up to us to make sure this movement continues to grow...