Statement endorsing Senator Barack Obama for president
Des Moines, IA. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) issued the following statement today:
"All the states have voted and the delegate-selection contests are completed. I am proud, today, to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama as the nominee of the Democratic Party for President of the United States.
"Out of respect for all the outstanding candidates who participated in this process, and also out of respect for the rules adopted by the Democratic National Committee, I thought it best to allow the caucus and primary season to unfold without any intervention from me as a superdelegate. I wanted to allow all the candidates - especially the two truly outstanding candidates who emerged from the original field - to make their case right up to the final day of voting.
"I am especially proud of my Senate colleagues - Senators Biden, Clinton, and Dodd - who competed for the nomination. They have all emerged from this process with even greater national stature and respect. Senator Clinton's campaign has been truly historic. She may not have won the nomination, but she won the admiration of her Senate colleagues for her stand on the issues, for her courage, and for her fighting spirit.
"This week, the general election campaign begins. The choice in this election is simple: Senator McCain is the candidate of continuity. Senator Obama is the candidate of change. After years of division here at home, he will reach out and unite our nation.
"Barack Obama makes me proud to an American. His life story could only have unfolded in this great country. Today, I pledge to do everything we can to elect Barack Obama as the next President of the United States."
