Superdelegate #1 for Obama today. How many more will we see before the end of the day? If today is anything like Friday we'll see quite a few more.
Democratic Rep. Tom Allen announced this morning that he is supporting Barack Obama for president.
"I have been friends for a very long time with former President Clinton and Sen. Clinton. I respect their service to our nation," Allen said in a written statement. He added that "most of the primary voters across the nation have now spoken. It is time to bring a graceful end to the primary campaign. We now need to unify the Democratic party and focus on electing Sen. Obama and a working majority in the United States Senate."
Barack Obama won both Maine and Tom Allen's district by wide a margin.
Allen's endorsement brings Obama's superdelegate vote total to 276. He leads Hillary Clinton by 5.5 superdelegate votes after taking the lead on Saturday.
Representative Tom Allen was elected to his sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2006. He was first elected in 1996 to represent the First District of Maine, which includes York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Knox Counties, and part of Kennebec County.
Tom Allen serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Budget Committee, and is a co-chair of the House Affordable Medicines Task Force and the bipartisan House Oceans Caucus.
Full Obama Press Release
PORTLAND – Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate Tom Allen today pledged his support to Senator Barack Obama. Allen made his announcement during a 10:30 a.m. press conference at his campaign headquarters here.
Allen said he believes that both Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton are "supremely qualified to be president."
"I have been friends for a very long time with former President Clinton and Senator Clinton. I respect their service to our nation. Hillary Clinton has run a vigorous campaign and has attracted a passionate following in Maine and around the country. She loves this country and is a true leader. For her service, I am grateful," he said.
"Most of the primary voters across the nation have now spoken. It is time to bring a graceful end to the primary campaign. We now need to unify the Democratic Party and focus on electing Senator Obama and a working majority in the United States Senate. That is how we can change the direction of the country.
"I am running for the U.S. Senate because I believe Maine should lead the change this country needs. I share important priorities with Barack Obama: universal health care, reining in gas and food prices, greater independence from foreign oil, bringing our troops safely home from Iraq, creating jobs and strengthening the middle class."
Allen said Obama is the embodiment of change for Maine and America.
"In February I watched a new generation of Mainers become involved in our nominating process because they were energized and hopeful about the future. I watched Independents and Democrats – and even a lot of Republicans -- in Maine enthusiastically support Barack Obama because they believe he can and will put America back on track," he said.
Obama won Maine’s Democratic caucuses in February. His candidacy helped drive record turnout of some 45,000 participants.
Senator Obama said Maine needs Tom Allen in the U.S. Senate for the change we need. Obama’s full statement:
"Tom Allen understands the challenges this country is facing, and no one has worked harder to solve them. He knows that if we’re going to bring about the change this country needs, we’re going to have to change the way Washington works. That’s why he’s never been afraid to stand up to the special interests and demand accountability from our leaders.
"Like me, Tom opposed the war in Iraq from the start, and he’s been a tireless advocate for ending the war and reshaping our foreign policy to truly make this country safer and more respected. He’s fought for tax cuts for the middle class, health care for all, and a return to fiscal responsibility -- something this President and his allies in the Senate seem to have forgotten about completely.
"I’ve had the opportunity to meet voters from every corner of Maine, and they have spoken with one voice about the need for real change. There’s no question that Tom’s record of service, his tenacity, and his judgment will make him an excellent Senator. I’m thrilled to be working alongside him in this critical election, and I look forward to working with him as President."
Allen is running for Senate this year to unseat Susan Collins.
Go over to his website and help him out.
Update: Looks like Obama is about to get another
Press conference scheduled for Monday
Last Idaho superdelegate before convention to make endorsement
BOISE, Idaho – Idaho Democratic Party officials will gather at Party Headquarters at noon Monday, where Chairman R. Keith Roark, will announce his endorsement democratic presidential nomination.
Additionally, Mr. Roark will also take questions about plans for an active Democratic Presidential campaign in Idaho this year for the first time in four decades.
* Who: R. Keith Roark, Chairman, along with other Democratic party officials
* What: Superdelegate announcement
* When: Monday, May 12, Noon
* Where: Idaho Democratic Party Headquarters (988 Longmont, Boise, ID