The Tote Board's Heavy: Congresswoman Mazie Hirono Endorses Obama

We've got another super-delegate this morning, so can we drop that Delegates Needed number down to 170?

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono announced her endorsement of Barack Obama this morning in Washington, DC, saying "it is time to unite the party behind Senator Obama". She is one of nine super-delegates from Hawaii.

Today I announce my endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. I do so after watching these historic campaigns unfold across our country, where hundreds of thousands of people participated as never before. It is clear that Americans want our country back on a course of hope and opportunity.

I make my announcement with deep respect and admiration for Hillary Clinton. She is an extraordinary woman. However, it is time to unite the party behind Senator Obama and to use our energy and resources to defeat Senator John McCain. Barack Obama can unite our Party and our country and bring about the positive changes Americans want.

Of course, all of us are especially proud of Senator Obama's deep roots here in our state, and overwhelmingly embraced his candidacy in our recent caucus. His love for Hawaii and understanding of its diversity have given him a foundation for understanding the diversity of our country.

I am proud to endorse Senator Obama and I look forward to a winning campaign.

Senator Obama issued a statement thanking Congresswoman Hirono for her support:

As a native of Hawaii, it means so much to have Rep. Mazie Hirono’s support. She has worked tirelessly to help America and Hawaii achieve energy independence and to reduce its dependency on foreign oil. She has also been a leader in working to improve the economy and to create good-paying jobs. Rep. Hirono embraces the kind of change we need in Washington, and I look forward to working closely with her.

Despite Obama's overwhelming victory in his home state of Hawaii, only two of Hawaii's super-delegates have supported Obama:

• Congressman Neil Abercrombie - Obama
• Congresswoman Mazie Hirono - Obama
• Senator Daniel Inouye - Clinton
• Senator Daniel Akaka - Uncommitted
• DNC Committeeman Richard Port - Clinton
• DNC Committeewoman Dolly Strazar - Uncommitted

Three additional super-delegates will be decided at the State Convention:

• State Party Chair
• State Party Vice-chair
• At-Large Delegate

Let's show some aloha to Mazie and Neil for supporting Barack.

Support Mazie Hirono for Congress  

Support Neil Abercrombie for Congress

Support Barack Obama