Four Superdelegates Endorse Obama

TWO MINNESOTA SUPERDELEGATES SUPPORT BARACK OBAMA
Minnesota DFL Chair Brian Melendez and Associate Chair Donna Cassutt Back Obama

Chicago, IL – Today, the Chair and Associate Chair of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party endorsed Barack Obama. Chair Brian Melendez and Associate Chair Donna Cassutt —two Minnesota superdelegates — backed Obama, citing his overwhelming win in the Minnesota caucuses and ability to bring new voters into the process.

Chair Brian Melendez said, “Before Super Tuesday, I decided that, as a superdelegate, I would support whichever candidate won the presidential-preference ballot in Minnesota — and Senator Obama and his campaign for change won it decisively. I also decided that I would hold off on announcing this decision in the hope that voters in other states would decide the nomination and that the superdelegates would not affect the outcome.

“Now, however, it appears that the superdelegates' votes may affect the outcome. I am therefore announcing that I will support Senator Barack Obama for president. I have heard loud and clear the voices of the more than 214,000 enthusiastic DFLers who attended their precinct caucuses. As their elected party chair, I respect their choice, and will be pleased to honor it by casting my vote for Senator Obama at the Democratic National Convention.

“DFLers shattered all turnout records at precinct caucuses this year, braving a cold winter night, long lines, and bustling crowds. We may have supported different candidates for president this year so far, but we are all energized and ready to keep Minnesota blue this November for the ninth presidential election in a row.”

Associate Chair Donna Cassutt said, “Hope, the passion for change, and the belief in the possibilities for our great nation: the over 214,000 Minnesotans who turned out to the DFL precinct caucuses this year showed that all of these are alive and well in Minnesota. Reflecting the enthusiastic and overwhelming support for Senator Barack Obama at our caucuses, I will gladly cast my vote as a superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention for Senator Obama.

“With the incredible grassroots energy and the number of folks new to the political process, I am confident that we will not only win Minnesota's electoral votes in November, but also take back our beloved Paul Wellstone's Senate seat and usher in a new era of common-sense, progressive politics.”

Senator Obama won the Minnesota Caucuses on February 5th with 66 percent of the vote.

NORTH DAKOTA SUPERDELEGATE ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA

Democratic Committeewoman Endorses Obama

Bismarck, ND – Today, the Obama campaign announced that North Dakota superdelegate and Democratic National Committee Member Renee Pfenning endorsed Barack Obama.

Below is Pfenning's statement:

"I feel there have been many high-quality Democratic candidates in this race for president of the United States. Ultimately, my decision to endorse Sen. Barack Obama was based on three big factors.

"Sen. Obama made an unprecedented investment in North Dakota prior to the Feb. 5 Presidential Preference Caucuses. His campaign placed full-time staffers on the ground here. Their efforts helped the Democratic-NPL Party achieve a record caucus turnout in which Sen. Obama received 61 percent of the vote.

"Even after the caucuses, I continue to receive many positive messages from North Dakota's grassroots about Sen. Obama. There is a strong feeling throughout this state and country that he is bringing people together for the positive change our country desperately needs right now."

Texas State Representative and Superdelegate Yvonne Davis Endorses Obama

AUSTIN – The Obama Campaign announced that State Representative and Democratic National Committee Superdelegate Yvonne Davis (D-Dallas) endorsed Senator Obama's grassroots campaign for change.

State Representative Davis today said, “As State Representative for District 111, I have the distinct honor to represent more than 145,000 individuals in the Texas House of Representatives. As an at-large member of the Democratic National Committee from Texas, and a ‘super-delegate,' I know politics is serious business, but I believe that politics has to be about the people!

When I look at the sad state of affairs in our community and across the nation-- I know we can do better. That is why today I am endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States of America. Senator Obama sets himself apart because he is able to bring Americans together to finally overcome the great challenges we face.

Senator Obama offers leadership and vision for what this country can achieve when we put aside our differences and come together behind our common purpose. Only if we work together can we create the change we believe in.

It is up to each of us to accept our responsibility and join with Senator Obama as we reclaim America.”