Clyburn Endorses Obama

House Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) early Tuesday morning, in what could be the first in a flood of superdelegate endorsements as the long Democratic primary season finally comes to a close.

"I believe the nomination of Senator Obama is our Party's best chance for victory in November, and our nation's best hope for much needed change," Clyburn said in a statement. "Senator Obama brings a new vision for our future and new voters to our cause. He has created levels of energy and excitement that I have not witnessed since the 1960's."

The third-ranking Democratic official in the House, Clyburn kept his cards close to his vest on whom he supported in the contest. In the end, however, Clyburn said the delegate math was just too tough for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.).

"No matter the outcome tonight, Senator Obama will lead in the delegate count and should be named the nominee," Clyburn said. "Any other outcome would require un-pledged delegates, who have the power and authority to do so, to reverse the results of those who played by the established rules and worked hard in the primaries and caucuses. This would be unwarranted and could make the nomination worthless."

Stay tuned to the Crypt throughout the day for more superdelegate endorsements.