UPDATED: Locke, Sims switch to Obama

Former Governor Gary Locke, one of Sen. Hillary Clinton's co-chairs in the state, told the Seattle Times today that he is acknowledging Sen. Barack Obama's victory in the primary and is switching his allegiance to the Illinois Senator.

UPDATE: King County Executive Ron Sims, an automatic delegate, has also switched his support. Read both of their statements after the jump.

Here is what Locke had to say:

It's clear that the primary contest is over. Sen. Obama has done an incredible job of inspiring and energizing voters. We need to bring this to an end. We can not wait. This can not go to the convention. It's time for us all to rally around Sen. Obama.

We should and must rally around him. I am very proud to support Sen. Obama.

 

Here is the statement from Ron Sims:

As a superdelegate and President of the National Democratic County Officials, I supported Senator Hillary Clinton early on and am truly honored to have been co-chair of her Washington State campaign. She is an extraordinary leader, and I have maintained my support for Senator Clinton through the grueling national primary and caucus process. Through it all I have been impressed by the wealth of riches we have had with two exceptional candidates. Now it is time for me to join other Democrats to unite behind Senator Obama. Senator Obama will bring much needed change and excitement to this country when he is elected President of the United States.