superdelegates

One of Washington's automatic delegates, DNC member David McDonald, has pledged his support to Sen. Barack Obama, per the AP.

McDonald sat on the DNC rules committee that met over the weekend to decide the fate of disputed delegates in Florida and Michigan, and waited until after the meeting to endorse in order to avoid a perceived conflict of interest.

Obama "has brought astounding new energy and hope to the Democratic Party nationwide," he told the AP.

U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott has just endorsed Barack Obama for president. He is the last of Washington's elected superdelegates to pledge their support to a candidate for president and joins U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, U.S. Rep. Brian Baird, Gov. Chris Gregoire, and U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen in supporting the Illinois senator.

Here is what he had to say:

"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."

The Seattle Times' David Postman is reporting that Rep. Rick Larsen, one of Washington's final remaining uncommitted elected superdelegates, will endorse Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination.

UPDATED: Larsen's office has just sent out a press release with his statements.

Larsen Pledges Super Delegate Vote to Obama

Everett, WA - Today U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), who will servenas a super delegate to the Democratic National Convention, endorsed BaracknObama for President of the United States of America. Larsen released thenfollowing statement:

"Today I am endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President. I believe Senator Obama is the best candidate to turn our country's hopes for a better future into reality.

"This week, Senator Obama has proven that he is tough and resilient. He has shown that he can take a pounding, come back and continue to communicate with the public to deliver his message of hope and change.

"In my district, Senator Obama has strong grassroots support. He has inspired and energized my constituents like no other candidate.

"I believe that Senator Obama will be the best President for our country. I have been particularly impressed by Senator Obama's truth-telling on a proposed gas tax policy - a proposal which would make little or no difference for Americans paying too much at the pump.

"Our country faces great challenges. As President, I believe that Barack Obama can unite our country to overcome obstacles and deliver real change."

 

 

The New York Times has listed Washington superdelegate Sharon Mast as a committed Clinton supporter, but the News-Tribune spotted that and checked up with Mast who indeed said that she is still uncommitted.

"In real life," Mast told the TNT, "I know where I'm at, which is uncommitted."

So it remains that all of Washington state's DNC superdelegates are uncommitted, save Pat Notter who supports Obama.

Coming just days after the Indiana Democratic Senator and prominent Hillary Clinton supporter Evan Bayh advised his Hoosier State colleagues not to endorse any candidates despite his own actions, Washington state Democratic Party Chair Dwight Pelz is tacking a similar maneuver.

Yesterday the Times' David Postman mentioned a quote from Pelz in the NY Daily News where Pelz said, "It's time for us to end this. The candidates are tearing each other apart, and it's not good for the party. I think we need to have a candidate."

It has been a while since the Presidential race has topped the news cycle here in Washington so, in light of today's Pennsylvania primary, here is a reminder of which Washington state superdelegates are backing the two Democratic candidates.

Hillary Clinton (6)
Sen. Patty Murray, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Norm Dicks, Rep. Jay Inslee, King County Exec. Ron Sims, former House Speaker Tom Foley

Barack Obama (4)
Gov. Chris Gregoire, Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Brian Baird, DNC member Pat Notter

WEST SEATTLE -

There appears to be approximately 1000 Democrats in attendance here at the West Seattle High School gymnasium, but that is a rough estimate. It is the standard convention mix of interest groups, delegates and, of course, candidates.

On the eve of the state's Democratic Legislative District caucuses, King County Executive Ron Sims was profiled by NPR's All Things Considered today because of his role as a superdelegate. The piece highlighted his unique role as an African American who supports Hillary Clinton, and as an electe superdelegate who has endorsed against the strong will of his constituents.

Three days after making statements to The Columbian's editorial board that were construed by many to mean that she would be switching her superdelegate vote to Barack Obama in June, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Seattle) tempered her words today in Spokane.