Payne drops Clinton for Obama
Presidential candidate Barack Obama picked up the support today of one of Hillary Clinton's New Jersey superdelegates, Rep. Donald Payne of Newark.
A former chairman of the House Black Caucus, Payne supported Clinton in the Feb. 5 primary while Newark Mayor Cory Booker was one of Obama's top supporters in the state. He said he subsequently concluded Obama would be the better president.
Here's his statement:
"Hillary Clinton is a good friend, and I continue to hold her in high regard. She has made important contributions to our nation through her outstanding work as First Lady and in the United States Senate.
"After careful consideration, I have reached the conclusion that Barack Obama can best bring about the change that our country so desperately wants and needs. Senator Obama has lived the American dream. He embodies the American ideals of hope, optimism, and the ability to take on tough challenges in order to solve difficult problems. In addition, I believe that he will work to restore America's image around the globe."
Clinton still has the lion's share of New Jersey superdelegates, with 12 supporters including Governor Corzine and Sen. Bob Menendez. Obama now has five, while three are uncommitteed. Here's the breakdown:
CLINTON SUPERDELEGATES
- Gov. Jon Corzine
- Sen. Robert Menendez
- Rep. Robert Andrews
- Rep. Frank Pallone
- Rep. Bill Pascrell
- Rep. Albio Sires
- Democratic National Committee member Alfred DeCotiis
- Democratic National Committee member Joseph Cryan
- Democratic National Committee member Tonio Burgos
- Democratic National Committee member June Fisher
- Former Gov. Jim Florio
- Former Gov. Brendan Byrne
OBAMA SUPER DELEGATES
- Rep. Steve Rothman
- Democratic National Committee member Christine "Roz" Samuels
- Democratic National Committee member Dana Redd
- Democratic National Committee member Donald Norcross
- Rep. Donald Payne
UNCOMMITTED SUPER DELEGATES
- Rep. Rush Holt
- Sen. Frank Lautenberg
- Democratic National Committee member Philip D. Murphy
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