Maine Democratic superdelegate jumps in Obama column

[MaineDem]

AUGUSTA, Maine — One of Maine´s three undeclared "superdelegates" said Tuesday she´s endorsing Barack Obama for president.

Jennifer DeChant, Democratic National Committeewoman for Maine, said it became clear after the party´s state convention last weekend that the Illinois senator is the choice of a majority of the state´s delegates.

"It´s the end of the primary season," DeChant said. "Now it´s important to unite behind one candidate."

With DeChant in the Obama column, Maine´s national delegate total is 20 for Obama and 10 for Hillary Rodham Clinton, with two other superdelegates not yet committed.

U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, a former John Edwards supporter, was not expected to announce a new endorsement until the final primaries in South Dakota and Montana were over, said spokesman Ed Gilman. National Committeeman Sam Spencer said he would release a statement after those two primaries.

http://news.mainetoday.com/apwire/D912OJ002-154.html

[MaineDem]

1. Sam Spencer endorsed Obama last night, too. n/t

[MaineDem]

2. Michaud endorses Obama for president

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Michael Michaud, a Democrat, endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama on Wednesday, one day after the final primary contests ended.

“As our party’s presumptive nominee, I want him to know that I will do everything I can in Maine and across the country to help win back the White House this November,” Michaud said.

The congressman had remained neutral throughout the primary season, holding meetings in April with Sen. Obama of Illinois and Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York to discuss trade policy and globalization issues.

...

Gov. John Baldacci remains Clinton’s lone supporter among the eight Democratic superdelegates Maine will send to the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August.

Rep. Tom Allen, Democratic National Committee members Jennifer DeChant of Bath and Sam Spencer of Portland, Maine Democratic Party chairman John Knutson of Brooklin, vice-chairwoman Marianne Stevens of Kingfield, and former chairwoman Gwethalyn Phillips of Bangor have endorsed Obama.

http://news.mainetoday.com/updates/028206.html