Superdelegate Rick Larsen endorses Obama

Fri., May 9, 2008

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

WASHINGTON – Rep. Rick Larsen Thursday endorsed Barack Obama for president, calling him “the best candidate to turn our best hopes for a better future into reality.”

Obama’s performance this week in primaries in North Carolina and Indiana show “he can take a pounding and come back strong to deliver his message of hope and change,” Larsen said.

Larsen, a four-term Democrat who represents Everett, Bellingham and other areas north of Seattle, said Obama “has inspired and energized my constituents like no other candidate.” Obama overwhelmingly won the 2nd Congressional District in the state’s Feb. 19 primary – a fact Larsen said played a role in his decision.

“Obama won 80-20 in my district, and that energy continues to be there,” Larsen said. “That’s one consideration.”

Larsen joins at least four other Washington “superdelegates” who have endorsed Obama: Gov. Chris Gregoire; Reps. Adam Smith and Brian Baird, his state chairman; and Pat Notter, a member of the Democratic National Committee.

Clinton has the support of five of the state’s superdelegates, including Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Reps. Norm Dicks and Jay Inslee, and King County Executive Ron Sims.

Rep. Jim McDermott remains uncommitted, as does former House Speaker Tom Foley. State Democratic Chairman Dwight Pelz also is uncommitted.

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