From the AP (via the Rapid City Journal):
WASHINGTON (AP) - South Dakota Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin has decided to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Herseth Sandlin originally endorsed Democrat John Edwards, saying he had the best positions on rural issues. But in the wake of his departure from the race last month, Herseth Sandlin says she has become convinced Obama "will be a president who capitalizes on what South Dakota's communities, families and entrepreneurs have to offer."
Some other key points from the article:
She joins the state's other Democrats in supporting the Illinois senator -- Sen. Tim Johnson and former Democratic Sen. Tom Daschle have also endorsed Obama. All three are Democratic superdelegates, or political insiders who can cast a ballot for the candidate of their choice at the parties' national conventions this summer.
And she indicates her support is based on his interest in renewable energy and rural issues (she is chair of the Rural Working Group in the House)
"I just like what he stands for in terms of renewable energy primarily, and also his recognition that people have to come together to get things done," she told The Associated Press Tuesday.
Her Quotes:
"Like many Americans and many South Dakotans, I have been inspired by Sen. Obama's commitment to finding common ground, and his ability to generate a groundswell of hope and optimism among people of all ages, and of all political stripes," she said.
"I just felt more comfortable with where Sen. Obama has been and where he will continue to be in promoting rural America," she said. "I appreciate the open-mindedness and his sincere desire to have my ideas heard throughout the upcoming weeks and months ... that speaks to why so many find him so appealing."
His Quote:
In a statement released by Herseth Sandlin's office, Obama said he is looking forward to working with the South Dakota Democrat "to refocus our energy policy in a way that reduces our dependence on foreign oil, enhances our national security, and creates jobs in South Dakota and across rural America."