There has been much media coverage in recent days about the role of the so-called Democratic superdelegates, those party bigwigs and elected officials who can cast a nominating vote for a candidate of their choosing at a time of their choosing.

Maine's Democratic Party has 10 superdelegates and we've written a fair amount about where they stand. (See my most recent story here.)

Sen. Barack Obama's campaign announced that the youngest superdelegate in the country, Jason Rae, endorsed Obama. His statement is below.

DNC MEMBER JASON RAE ENDORSES BARACK OBAMA
Rae is youngest superdelegate in the country

CHICAGO, IL – Today, Democratic National Committee Member Jason Rae endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his ability to bring new people, including record numbers of young voters, into the political process. Rae, a twenty-one year old college student from Wisconsin, is the youngest superdelegate in the country.

Below is Rae’s statement:

“The Democratic Party is fortunate to have two very talented individuals running for President this election. It is a difficult choice for anyone, but in the end, the choice for me has become clear. I am proudly supporting Senator Barack Obama.

“In Wisconsin on Tuesday, voters chose change by an overwhelming margin. Young people – most of whom never voted before – waited in lines for hours to cast their vote for Obama. As a young member of the Democratic National Committee I know that I represent America’s next generation of voters, and clearly my generation has chosen Senator Obama. According to CNN exit polls, Senator Obama carried 73% of Wisconsin voters aged 18-24 and 66% of those 25-29. When I see numbers like that, I know that there is no other person who can bring out new voters to the party like Senator Obama can. He has inspired a new generation of voters to get active and energized in the political process.”

E-mail this entry to a friend