Obama surpasses magic number

Barack Obama rounded up the superdelegates he needed so that he can reach the magic number and declare himself the Democratic presidential nominee.

UPDATE: After the polls closed in South Dakota and Montana, Obama's campaign announced superdelegates with 26.5 votes, putting him comfortably over the top.

“Across the country, Democrats are ready to unite and eager to take on John McCain and the Republicans in the general election, and I’m pleased that so many supporters of Senator Edwards—a leader who has been an inspiration to all of us—are committed to standing with us in this campaign,” Obama said in a statement.

The Globe is reporting that Pennsylvania Congressman Bob Brady is endorsing Obama.

CNN is reporting that Oklahoma Democratic Party chairman Ivan Holmes will endorse Obama this evening.

Belkis (Bel) Leong-Hong of Maryland is endorsing Obama, the campaign announced.

The Associated Press is reporting that US Representative Dennis Moore of Kansasi is endorsing Obama.

The Obama campaign announced that Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California has endorsed him, switching from Hillary Clinton. It also announced the support of Delaware Secretary of State Harriet Windsor, Delaware Democratic Chair John Daniello, and DNC Member Rhett Ruggerio of Delaware. And it announced the endorsement of Democratic National Committee Member Diane Glasser of Florida, who gets half a vote.

The Obama campaign just announced that more John Edwards delegates, totaling 10 votes at the convention, have pledged their support, bringing him, in one fell swoop, much closer to clinching the nomination.

The Obama campaign just announced the endorsements of DNC members Kamil Hasan of California and Ben Johnson of the District of Columbia.

Joyce Lalonde of Michigan, who gets a half vote at the national convention, endorsed Obama, his campaign announced.

"I find the senator to be a strong supporter of public education," she said in a statement. "His education platform gives great hope to the children of the United States that every child is entitled to a quality public education."

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that state Representative Maria Chappelle-Nadal plans to announce her support today.

The Springfield Republican is reporting that US Representative John W. Olver of Amherst is endorsing Obama.

"I think he gave more of a vision where he wanted to go," Olver told the newspaper. "Hillary was all about competence and experience."

The Obama camp announced the endorsement of Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick of Michigan, who gets a half vote at the convention.

“We are at a very important time for our nation today and we must unite together to win in November. I am proud to announce my support for Barack Obama," Kilpatrick said in a statement. "From his years fighting for the poor on the South Side of Chicago to his proven commitment to working families in the United States Senate, Barack has proven he can lift up our nation and put the needs of our families and children first."

The Obama camp just announced endorsements from DNC members Debbie Dingell and Rick Wiener from Michigan, who each get a half vote.

“Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have run vigorous campaigns, demonstrating to the American people that Democrats are ready to lead on reform for our broken health care system, to protect and create American jobs and to responsibly end the war in Iraq. Now, as the nominating process comes to an end, it is time to unite behind Barack Obama, who will be our Democratic nominee for the White House," Dingell said in a statement.

The Associated Press is reporting that Jennifer DeChant, a Democratic National Committee member from Maine, is backing Obama as well.

Ohio state House Democratic leader Joyce Beatty announced her support for Obama.
"I like Sen. Obama's stances on issues important to all Americans, and I am proud that an African-American has the trust and the support of people across all cross-sections of our society in this historic campaign," she said in a statement. "He has brought energy and an excitement to this race that inspires people, and he is the right person for the job."

The Associated Press is reporting that Massachusetts superdelegate Debra Kozikowski of Chicopee is endorsing Obama.

The AP is reporting that the vice chairwoman of the Mississippi Democratic Party is endorsing Obama. Carnelia Fondren, in a statement, said Clinton, "has run an honorable, impressive campaign," but said Obama is "an equally impressive presidential candidate" and "a dynamic leader who offers a compelling vision for the future of our nation and the state of Mississippi."

UPDATE: The Obama campaign announced the support of superdelegate Tina Abbott, secretary-treasurer of the Michigan AFL-CIO and vice chairwoman of the Michigan Democratic Party.