Michaud last Maine superdelegate to endorse

U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud became the last of Maine’s superdelegate delegation to endorse, giving his vote to Sen. Barack Obama for President.

This means seven of Maine’s superdelegates will vote for Barack Obama, and one will vote for Hillary Clinton.

Obama won the amount of delegates needed to clinch the nomination Tuesday night, but Clinton has yet to decide how to proceed.

Michaud’s full statement:

“It now appears that our party's contest to nominate a presidential candidate has come to a close with Senator Obama receiving the necessary number of delegates to clinch the nomination.

“Throughout the campaign, supporters of both Senators Clinton and Obama have wanted me to state my support for their candidate.  Both candidates have waged impressive campaigns and I believe that overall this process has been a positive one.  By allowing all citizens to have their voices heard, this process has strengthened our democracy and strengthened the Democratic Party.  I also believe that this process has made Senator Obama an even better candidate.

“Senators Obama and Clinton should take pride in their roles in this historic race.  Never in the history of presidential elections have so many voters from all over our country been so motivated to elect our nation's next leader.  Citizens from all our states and territories have been able to cast their ballots and affect the outcome of our party's nominee.

“I would like to congratulate Senator Clinton on conducting a noble and extraordinary campaign. I am certain that if it was not for Senator Clinton's inspiring role in this process, our party would not have experienced the historic turnout and remarkable motivation by voters to have their voices heard.  Hillary Clinton has won my sincere admiration for waging this impressive campaign.

“I would also like to congratulate Senator Obama.  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.  Citizens across our nation are ready to end the Bush era and are excited for a new direction for America.”