Obama just made up for yesterday's 0 superdelegate endorsements.
Today, United States Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20) and United States Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA-18) endorsed Barack Obama for president. Congressman Cardoza previously supported Senator Hillary Clinton.
These endorsements mean that Senator Obama has been endorsed by 310.5 superdelegates. Obama is 59 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.
In addition to the 2 new superdelegates, Obama has also picked up 2 NH Edwards delegates.
Congressman Cardoza said, "This is the most important election of my lifetime. 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.
"The Bush Administration has been a huge disappointment. Mr. McCain, while certainly an American hero, represents more of the same failed Bush policies.
"I am deeply concerned about the contentious primary campaign and controversy surrounding the seating of delegates from Florida and Michigan – two states Democrats need to win in November. I will not support changing the rules in the fourth quarter of this contest through some convoluted DNC rules committee process. Yet, we must find a resolution to seat the Michigan and Florida delegates so these states’ voters are represented at the Convention. I believe we need to avoid this potentially divisive situation by uniting behind one nominee and bringing the party together immediately. Therefore, I have made the decision to support Senator Obama at the Democratic Convention in my role as a super delegate."
Congressman Costa said, "It’s been a long presidential primary season, and now is time to bring it to a close. I have tremendous respect for Senator Barack Obama, Senator Hillary Clinton, and all the candidates who ran for the nomination. In my opinion, it is clear that Senator Obama will be the strongest presidential nominee for the Democratic Party.
"I did not come to this decision without careful consideration. Our nation is faced with serious challenges here at home and abroad. Because the next Administration and 111th Congress will face such difficult and divisive issues involving our energy needs, greater fiscal responsibility and international security, it is imperative that we have someone who truly has the skill to bring out nation together and close the partisan divide. I believe Senator Obama has the leadership skills to bridge the differences that exist today.
"In my conversations with Senator Obama, I explained to him that our San Joaquin Valley is the number one agricultural region in the country and in the world. Before the election in November, he needs to come to our Valley and understand the water challenges we face, the diversity of our farm crops, and the combination of the wonderful ethnic communities that make up Valley families, which is truly a reflection of our nation."
And if all of that wasn't enough for you, Obama could pick up as many as 7 superdelegates this weekend.
There are 7 new superdelegates being named this weekend, all in states that Obama won: Alaska (1), Georgia (2), Wyoming (1) and Hawaii (3). Obama has a good chance to pick up all 7.
Saturday, May 24, Alaska names its add-on at 4pm local time. Georgia names two add-ons and Wyoming names one add-on. Obama won all three states.
Sunday's schedule below.
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Sunday. May 25, Hawaii Democrats hold their State Convention, followed by a meeting of the State Central Committee, and name their add-on, and also select a new state party chair and vice-chair, both of which immediately become superdelegates. Obama won the Hawaii Caucuses. Candidates for the Chair position are <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Annelle Amaral and Brian Schatz. Schatz is a former member of Obama's campaign in Hawaii, and has been endorsed by Obama. Amaral is a Clinton supporter but has committed to voting for Obama at the convention. In addition, Obama has endorsed </span>James Burns, former chief judge of the state Intermediate Court of Appeals, for the add-on position.
Check out DemConWatch for the latest information and updates all weekend long.
Update: We have added the 2 NH Edwards delegates for Obama. Only 57 more delegates needed (without FL/MI)
Update: Oregon DNC member Jenny Greenleaf has endorsed Obama Greenleaf is a longtime friend of DemConWatch and was actually the first superdelegate I talked to since we started our lists.
The netroots is my political home and where I got started, so I have chosen to announce my endorsement here on BlueOregon.
The voters of Oregon have spoken, and I have listened.
I will be supporting Senator Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in August. Senator Obama has the vision and leadership ability to move this country forward and to undo the damage done by the Bush administration. I am proud to support him in this endeavor and will do whatever I can to make sure Oregon's electoral votes are Democratic this fall.