Sen. Barack Obama expects to reach a primary season milestone when the Kentucky and Oregon polls close Tuesday night, but he won't be in those states.

He will have won the majority of pledged delegates earned through election contests — and he'll head to the state that delivered his first victory in January.

The campaign announced today he will hold a rally Tuesday night in downtown Des Moines.

Obama aides have long said they consider Iowa a true fall battleground, and in a release call the Hawkeye State "a critical general election state that Democrats must win in November."

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

MoveOn's "Obama in 30 seconds" ad contest winner featured one of those Obama Republicans. Some of the other finalists are definitely worth watching.

Here's a funny one:

And a creative one:

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Hillary Clinton is selling this new poster on her Web site tonight.

The image, designed by Hollywood screenwriter (of "Eraser" fame) Tony Puryear, was printed by union labor in the United States, "using 100% wind power and vegetable-based inks."

Puryear writes:

"Senator Clinton is a beautiful, strong and inspiring woman, and I wanted to make a poster that reflected that. Rather than putting a slogan on the poster, I chose to put her name, because she is surely the only leader at this level with whom we are all on a first-name basis, and to me, that reflects her personal warmth and connection with ordinary Americans."

The poster, which appeared today on her site, resembles this one of Sen. Barack Obama done by Chicago-based Creative Rescue.

A colleague glances at both posters and reminds me the rising sun image smacks of communist propaganda seen in posters like these:

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

This image greets visitors to Sen. Barack Obama's homepage tonight.

The photo links to a donation page with this note:

Join Sen. John Edwards in supporting this campaign

At a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Senator John Edwards endorsed Barack Obama's candidacy for president.

Senator Edwards ran a strong, principled campaign for president, focusing on universal health care, bringing our troops home from Iraq, and eliminating poverty in America. And he ran in a way that reflected a conviction that we need to fundamentally change politics.

Like our campaign, Senator Edwards' campaign never accepted donations from Washington lobbyists or special interest PACs.

Welcome John Edwards to this campaign with an outpouring of the kind of grassroots support that is bringing our political process back to the people.

Make your donation online using the form below.

In case they hadn't heard the news that Obama's former rival had decided to endorse, the campaign also sent this text message:

Breaking: John Edwards just endorsed Barack Obama. Spread the word & ask 5 friends to join our movement for change by texting HOPE to 62262. Forward this msg!

Edwards this afternoon conveniently sent supporters on his presidential e-mail list his own fund-raising request for his "College for Everyone" scholarship pilot project in North Carolina.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

I'm working on my own story now, but here's the AP writeup of the big news of the night — former Sen. John Edwards is endorsing Sen. Barack Obama during his Grand Rapids, Mich. rally tonight.

DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) - Democrat John Edwards has given his long-awaited endorsement to Barack Obama.
It's a major boost from a former presidential rival as Obama tries to shrug off Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is determined to press ahead.
Edwards was to appear with Obama in Grand Rapids, Mich., as Obama campaigns in a critical general election battleground.
The endorsement comes the day after Clinton defeated Obama by more than 2-to-1 in West Virginia. The loss highlighted Obama's work to win over the "Hillary Democrats" - white, working-class voters who also supported Edwards in large numbers before he exited the race.
Edwards, a former North Carolina senator and the 2004 vice presidential nominee, dropped out of the race in late January.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Ellen Malcolm, president of influential EMILY's List and a supporter of Sen. Hillary Clinton, was not happy about NARAL's endorsement today of Sen. Barack Obama.

Here's her statement:

"I think it is tremendously disrespectful to Sen. Clinton - who held up the nomination of a FDA commissioner in order to force approval of Plan B and who spoke so eloquently during the Supreme Court nomination about the importance of protecting Roe vs. Wade - to not give her the courtesy to finish the final three weeks of the primary process. It certainly must be disconcerting for elected leaders who stand up for reproductive rights and expect the choice community will stand with them."

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Barack Obama scores a big endorsement from NARAL Pro-Choice America today.

Sen. Obama has been a strong advocate for a woman's right to choose throughout his career in public office. He steadfastly supports and defends a woman's right to make the most personal, private decisions regarding her reproductive health without interference from government or politicians.

Here's their video announcing the news, with a big dig at presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain.

UPDATE, 2:15 p.m.: I asked Team Clinton's Howard Wolfson just now to respond to the endorsement.

His reaction? "Surprised."

"Senator Clinton's leadership and advocacy on choice issues is second to none," Wolfson said.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Let the rumors begin.

A new Rasmussen Reports poll shows that 29 percent of Democrats would support Sen. Hillary Clinton running as an independent in the fall:

Thirty-eight percent (38%) of Democratic voters nationwide now believe that Hillary Clinton should drop out of the race for the White House. That's up slightly from 34% in late April, 32% earlier in April and 22% in late March.

However, if Clinton does not win the Democratic Party nomination, 29% of Democrats say she should run an Independent campaign for the White House. Sixty-one percent (61%) of Democrats disagree. Clinton supporters are evenly divided on the question.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Republicans aren't acknowledging Sen. Hillary Clinton's massive West Virginia victory this morning, and are attacking Sen. Barack Obama without pause.

Here's a new RNC Web ad hitting Obama on the gas tax holiday by comparing him to President Jimmy Carter:

And in honor of Obama's trip today to Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Kent County GOP has this Web ad up under a "Barack Obama Show Us Your Flag" headline. It trots out the "bitter" quotes and reminds voters that Hamas has endorsed the Democrat.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Hillary Clinton, predictably declared the West Virginia winner right as the polls closed at 7:30, writes her supporters:

After tonight's tremendous victory here in West Virginia, it's clear that the pundits declaring this race over have it all wrong. The voters in West Virginia spoke loud and clear -- they want this contest to go on.

I'm listening to the voters -- and to you.

With your help, I'm going to carry the energy of tonight's victory into the next contests in Kentucky and Oregon. And just as always, I'll be depending on you to share every step of this journey with me. You have worked your heart out, put yourself on the line for what you believe in, and given generously. And I'm not about to turn my back on you.

We've proved conventional wisdom wrong time and again in this race. We did it again tonight in West Virginia. Let's keep going.

Thank you,
Hillary

She also sends a text message:

After tonight's tremendous victory in West Virginia, this race is far from over. Keep the momentum going at www.hillaryclinton.com. Thanks for everything.

About two hours before the polls closed in West Virginia, Team Obama put out this memo setting expectations. Here are portions:

TO: Interested Parties
FR: The Obama Campaign
RE: West Virginia and Obama's Strong Position in the Race Ahead
DA: 5/13/08
There is no question that Senator Clinton is going to win by huge margins in the upcoming primaries in West Virginia today and Kentucky next weeks. She has poured resources into both states and she, former President Clinton, and Chelsea Clinton have all campaigned extraordinarily hard there.
The Clinton campaign has already been touting their margins in these states - In fact, Bill Clinton said that Hillary can win West Virginia with 80 percent—and the West Virginia Senate Majority Leader said Clinton needs to win by "80-20 or 90-10." And in keeping large margins in perspective, it is worth noting that, while Senator Clinton will win big in West Virginia, Barack Obama won neighboring Virginia by 29 points.
But with 49 contests behind us and only six to go -- including several states where we expect to do well -- Barack Obama leads in pledged delegates, contests won, and superdelegates. And for perspective, while 28 pledged delegates are up for grabs this evening, Obama has won the support of 27 superdelegates in the course of just the last week putting him less than 150 total delegates away from clinching the Democratic nomination.
Obama's Strong Position in the Race Ahead Nationally, Obama is running stronger among Independent voters than any winning Presidential candidate since 1988 and is significantly outperforming Sen. Clinton among these voters as well in general election polling.
To understand a potential general election match-up between Obama and McCain, the only analysis and data that should be considered valid are the current head-to-head National polls rather than extrapolating irrelevant assumptions from exit poll data in Democratic primaries.
And, on the issue of Democratic unity in the Fall, analysts need only consider that in April of 1992, on a night when Bill Clinton won four primaries and was the presumptive nominee, 6 in 10 Democratic primary voters said they wanted another candidate in the race. Despite this, five months later, Democratic voters were unified behind Clinton and he won his first of two terms in office.
Debunking Five Myths About Obama's Support

MYTH 1: The Primary has left Democrats divided.

FACT: Democrats are united behind Barack Obama, even more so than Republicans are united behind McCain

...

MYTH 2: The Primary campaign has hurt Obama with swing voters and Republicans:

FACT: Obama is winning the swing voters against McCain by a wide margin.

...

MYTH 3: Obama cannot perform strongly enough among white voters:

FACT: Obama's is running as well or better than past Democratic Candidates among white voters.

...

MYTH 4: The race against Clinton has compromised Obama's position among women:

FACT: Obama has begun attracting the support of a broad coalition of women and is poised to win historic margins.

...

MYTH 5: Obama cannot win working class voters:

FACT: Obama is already winning working class voters

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Barack Obama right now is chatting privately with Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan as senators cast votes on the senate floor.

Obama, who got a warm welcome the last time he tended to his Capitol Hill day job, has been shaking hands and patting arms on the floor since the vote began. Sen. Hillary Clinton also is there voting, and right now is talking to supporter Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California.

Levin, an undecided superdelegate who had long wanted his state to have more influence in the primary process, might talking to Obama about the senator's campaign trip there tomorrow. Or they might be talking about how to resolve the mess with Michigan's delegates.

Obama also chatted amiably with Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania (who supports him) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan (who supports Clinton). He greeted Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland (Clinton supporter) and greeted Sen. Pat Leahy (Obama supporter).

He might be aiming to win over more superdelegates - already his tally for the day is four new supporters. His aides say he is 147 delegates from winning the Democratic nomination.

UPDATE, 12:04 p.m.: Obama just wandered over to chat with Sen. Robert Byrd, whose state West Virginia is voting today and likely will overwhelmingly favor Clinton. The Byrd talk was a bit of a senate no-no, since the senate president pro tem was sitting behind Majority Leader Harry Reid, who was talking to the C-SPAN camera at the time.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Barack Obama's campaign manager writes in to supporters with "Big news" this afternoon, announcing the superdelegate flood of late and asking for donations to help "close out this race."

The link in the e-mail brings supporters to a note declaring "it's clear that the Democratic Party is uniting around Barack's candidacy."

"But Senator Clinton has not withdrawn from the race, and she intends to compete vigorously in the remaining contests. We need to act quickly to encourage the remaining superdelegates to join us and close out this race. And we need to start building now to beat Senator McCain this November."

Here's the e-mail:

Big news today: for the first time since this campaign began, Barack Obama has taken the lead among superdelegates.

We've won more elected delegates, more states, and more votes than Senator Clinton. But until yesterday we trailed among Governors, Members of Congress, and Democratic Party leaders -- the so-called "superdelegates" who have a vote in the nominating process.

As it stands, we have 281 superdelegates who have committed to cast their convention votes for us. That includes 23 since last Tuesday's elections, and 3 who switched their support from Senator Clinton.

We have just 150 delegates to go before Barack Obama clinches the nomination. But Senator Clinton intends to compete vigorously in the remaining contests; at the same time we face increasing attacks from Senator McCain and the Republican attack machine.

Barack needs your support to close out this nomination and start building for the general election.

Now is the time to step up and own a piece of this campaign. Please make a donation of $25 today: https://donate.barackobama.com/superdelegatelead

Given the long history the Clintons have with the Democratic Party, it's no surprise Senator Clinton maintained her superdelegate lead for so long.

But right now it's clear that the Democratic Party is uniting around Barack's candidacy.
Here's what a few superdelegates who recently changed their support had to say:

"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."
- Rep. Donald Payne (NJ-10)
"He has shown he can connect with Democrats, Republicans and independents across this country."
- Kevin Rodriquez (VI)
"It's time to come together as a party and support Sen. Obama and prepare for a victory against John McCain in November."
- Del. Jennifer McClellan (VA-71)

We need to act quickly to encourage the remaining superdelegates to join us and close out this race. And we need to start building now to beat Senator McCain this November.
Make a donation of $25 today:
https://donate.barackobama.com/superdelegatelead

Tomorrow, voters in West Virginia -- where Senator Clinton has an enormous lead -- will head to the polls.
On Wednesday, Barack will continue to have an insurmountable lead in states, votes, and delegates.
He will also have the endorsements of more superdelegates than Senator Clinton -- a clear sign that Democrats across the country and throughout the party are ready for a new kind of politics.
This grassroots movement, funded by more than 1.5 million individual donors, has supported Barack when he was up and when he was down.
Now, the nomination is in sight, and it's because of you.
Thank you,

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

A soft-spoken Sen. Hillary Clinton appeals to supporters directly in a to-the-camera Web video e-mailed this afternoon.

She thanks them for volunteering and for "sustaining friendship and support," and notes her "opponent" had declared Indiana would be a tiebreaker.

"Thank you for what you believe in, which are the beliefs and values I share," she says.

"Now it's on to West Virginia and Kentucky and Oregon," she says, not mentioning the three contests after those in Puerto Rico, South Dakota and Montana.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Barack Obama won't be in West Virginia tomorrow on Election Day. With his sights set on the general election, he'll be in Missouri.

Obama's public schedule isn't offering many details yet, but reveals he will be in Cape Girardeau, MO, on Tuesday.

He'll hold an economic roundtable in the 72,000-population county*, located near what's called Missouri's bootheel on the southeast corner. It's a strongly Republican area represented by Rep. Jo Ann Emerson.

On Super Tuesday, Sen. Hillary Clinton won the county 57-39 — but fewer than 8,000 people voted in the Democratic primary. On the Republican side, where 11,000 voters showed up, Mitt Romney edged out John McCain.

More interestingly, it's Limbaugh country. Cape is conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh's hometown. His brother, a lawyer, and cousin, a judge, still live there, and tourists can get a peek at old Limbaugh home. (I also have family there.)

Here's a piece with some more details written by the Post-Dispatch's Jo Mannies, the David Yepsen of St. Louis.

UPDATE, 9 A.M. - An Obama aide says the senator "is still focused on winning votes and delegates in primary states," but "we are also spending some time in battleground states going forward to make sure that voters know the real choices this fall."

* This original post contained an error - I mixed up Cape Girardeau county's population with the city. As Rush himself apparently corrected me today on air, the town's population was about 36,000 in 2006.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Hillary Clinton's spokesman Howard Wolfson yesterday blasted Sen. Barack Obama for not spending much time in the Mountain State. I had a story in today's paper outlining the challenge West Virginia presents for Obama, who after picking up a bunch of superdelegates today, is now 156 away from securing the nomination under party rules.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's top aides yesterday accused Sen. Barack Obama of ignoring West Virginia, saying Democrats must win the state in the fall and using her 43-point poll lead there as evidence that her longshot bid deserves to run its course.

"What is the basis for the so-called 'presumptive nominee' not competing in a state that would be a key swing state?" Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson asked reporters at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast, adding that a Tuesday victory could be a turning point for his boss.

A 15-point win for Mrs. Clinton, "in an atmosphere in which she is being written off and told to leave the campaign, if voters hearing that in West Virginia decided to choose to affirm her candidacy despite that, I think that would say something significant about her ability to compete and win votes in a very tough environment," he said.

Since winning North Carolina and coming within two points in Indiana, Mr. Obama has done everything to indicate he views himself as the Democratic presidential nominee — avoiding engaging with Mrs. Clinton, and disregarding his rival's calls for a debate and pivoting toward the general election.

In Portland, Ore., Mr. Obama said presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain is "dead wrong" on the economy. Mr. Obama was just a few miles from Mrs. Clinton's campaign event but kept his focus on criticizing Mr. McCain of Arizona.

Read the full story here.

Earlier today the Obama camp announced he will hold a Charleston rally Monday, followed by another in Louisville. They also posted a call to action for voters to help him not lose by huge numbers in West Virginia:

The West Virginia primary has been an uphill battle, but we've built a broad based, grassroots operation there, backed by a dozen field offices and over 60 staffers on the ground. From the beginning, we've made a commitment to compete in every state for every vote, and even as we near the end of this long primary campaign we haven't let up. Over the next four days, we're asking grassroots phonebankers across the country to make calls to voters in West Virginia to help Get Out The Vote for Barack.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Chelsea Clinton narrates a soft and sweet tribute slideshow to her mom, asking supporters to sign an e-card in honor of Mother's Day.

"I'd like to tell you about my mom," she begins, saying that no matter what, "She's always been, and continues to be my biggest fan."

The former first daughter tells supporters her mom taught her the values of self-confidence, kindness and compassion, all things passed on through three generations starting with Dorothy Rodham.

"And remember your little girls can be anything they want to be in America when they grow up, even if it's to be the second woman president," she says in closing. "Happy Mother's Day."

In similar spirit, the campaign has posted this Web video from a recent event with the three women.

UPDATE: The campaign also pushed the holiday last Mother's Day.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign announced she is running this positive spot in West Virginia. She aired the same ad in Pennsylvania.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

California superdelegate Ed Espinoza will back Sen. Barack Obama, the campaign just announced.

Espinoza, who I have interviewed, recently outed himself as the author of previously anonymous blog Mr. Super. He had been a supporter of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.

Here's his statement:

"I am endorsing Barack Obama today because throughout this process I have seen him show a judgment and character that we need in our next president. From day one he opposed the Iraq war and has a plan to end the war in a responsible way and bring our sons and daughters home. He has shown he has the character to lead our great nation, from his choice to spend his career serving people in the poorest communities in Chicago to his commitment to speaking truth to the American people, even when it isn't politically convenient to do so. To unify the country at this time in our history we need a president who has these qualities, and that is why I am proud to endorse him today. My good friend Bill Richardson, who backed Obama some weeks ago, knows what it takes to lead and I trust his judgment in this decision as well. I look forward to working with this great movement to bring victory in November."

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

I have a story in today's paper analyzing some of the undecided superdelegates. Even though many of them are from districts that overwhelmingly backed Sen. Hillary Clinton, they are still withholding their public endorsements.

Several superdelegates from Indiana, Pennsylvania and Ohio are bucking the will of the people by withholding endorsements from Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, staying silent even though she overwhelmingly won their districts.

The silence from dozens of superdelegates who have good reason to back Mrs. Clinton amplifies the near impossibility of her winning the Democratic presidential nod.

The schedules of Mrs. Clinton and her rival Sen. Barack Obama revealed their priorities: She campaigned in three states while he spent yesterday wooing superdelegates among Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

While Mr. Obama received a rock-star welcome, signed autographs and posed for photos, Mrs. Clinton told voters that they must ignore pundits who have counted her out more times than she can count.

Read the full story here.

A spokeswoman for Rep. Chris Carney of Pennsylvania told me late yesterday he hadn't backed a candidate, but later last night Clinton scooped up his endorsement. His district went solidly for Clinton on April 22.

Obama picked up two members of Congress last night - Rep. Donald Payne of New Jersey switched from Clinton to Obama and Rep. Peter DeFazio of Oregon endorsed him. DeFazio will campaign with him in the Beaver State today.

My colleague Sean Lengell has an update on the Florida and Michigan mess in today's paper.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Barack Obama told NBC Nightly News in an interview his different tastes don't make him elitist:

Sometimes I wear a tie, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I wear a flag pin, sometimes I don't. You know, sometimes I like a burger and a beer. Sometimes a glass of wine and a steak is good. But this doesn't have much to do with how I'm gonna lead the country. What does have to do with leading the country is my commitment to make sure that everybody has the same chances that somebody gave me.

On a similar topic, here's some funny CNN video from the Obama press plane, with reporters marveling that the senator was sporting jeans, a rare sight.

I wasn't on the plane, but a birdie tells me reporters shouted "show us your jeans," which got him to do this odd pose.

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign just released this letter to Sen. Barack Obama about the the voting situation in Florida and Michigan.

Here 'tis, in full:

Dear Senator Obama,

This has been an historic and exciting campaign. Millions of new voters have been brought into the process and their enthusiasm for the Democratic Party and the principles for which you and I have fought and continue to fight is unprecedented.

One of the foremost principles of our party is that citizens be allowed to vote and that those votes be counted. That principle is not currently being applied to the nearly 2.5 million people who voted in primaries in Florida and Michigan. Whoever emerges as the Democratic nominee will be hamstrung in the general election if a fair and quick resolution is not reached that ensures that the voices of these voters are heard. Our commitment now to this goal could be the difference between winning and losing in November.

I have consistently said that the votes cast in Florida and Michigan in January should be counted. We cannot ignore the fact that the people in those states took the time to be a part of this process and to make their preferences known. When efforts were untaken by leaders in those states to hold revotes to ensure that they had a voice in selecting our nominee, I supported those efforts. In Michigan, I supported a legislative effort to hold a revote that the Democratic National Committee said was in complete compliance with the party's rules. You did not support those efforts and your supporters in Michigan publically opposed them. In Florida a number of revote options were proposed. I am not aware of any that you supported. In 2000, the Republicans won an election by successfully opposing a fair counting of votes in Florida. As Democrats, we must reject any proposals that would do the same.

Your commitment to the voters of these states must be clearly stated and your support for a fair and quick resolution must be clearly demonstrated.

I am asking you to join me in working with representatives from Florida and Michigan and the Democratic National Committee to arrive at a solution that honors the votes of the millions of people who went to the polls in Florida and Michigan. It is not enough to simply seat their representatives at the convention in Denver. The people of these great states, like the people who have voted and are to vote in other states, must have a voice in selecting our party's nominee.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sports Illustrated has one politically tinged question in its annual PGA Tour Player Survey.

If you were forced at gunpoint to vote for the Democratic presidential candidate, whom would you choose?
Barack Obama: 53%
Hillary Clinton: 16%
I'd take the bullet: 31%

According to SI, the results come from a poll of 72 PGA Tour players - roughly the number who make the cut in a normal week - to gauge their feelings on issues involving the state of the game and other matters.

The same poll shows 65 percent think Roger Clemens used steroids. It also surveyed players on who has the "nicest Tour wife." (Richelle Baddeley won.)

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Team Clinton forwards reporters this YouTube clip, with spokesman Howard Wolfson outlining what he sees is her "path to victory."

Then there's this perspective that Drudge has bannered:

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Obama campaign manager sends supporters a fundraising pitch talking about Sen. Hillary Clinton's personal loans to her presidential bid, and outlining that he thinks the nomination is "in sight" for his boss.

News broke this morning that Senator Clinton made three separate loans to her campaign in the past 30 days -- including one as recently as Monday.
These loans total more than $6.4 million, which combined with her previous personal loans, add up to at least $11.4 million she's loaned her campaign since February.
A spokesman said she may continue to "loan the campaign additional money out of her jointly-held assets" -- which include more than $100 million in income since her husband left the White House.
Meanwhile, by winning a double-digit victory in North Carolina and closing the gap in Indiana, Barack won another 100 delegates.
Barack Obama is now just 169 delegates away from winning the Democratic nomination. It's within sight.
This is a decisive moment in this race.
Barack has already won more votes, more delegates, and more than twice as many states as Senator Clinton, whose path to the nomination has grown extremely narrow. But these loans show that her campaign will continue to contest the remaining primaries vigorously.
We need to show that the voices of more than 1.5 million ordinary people donating whatever they can afford are more powerful than one person giving more than $11 million to their own campaign.
Now is the time add your voice to our historic movement. Make a donation of $25 to match Senator Clinton's loan:
https://donate.barackobama.com/results
Here's the math of where we stand ...
There are only six contests remaining on the Democratic primary calendar and only 217 pledged delegates left to be awarded. Only 7% of the pledged delegates remain on the table. There are 253 remaining undeclared superdelegates, for a total of 470 delegates left to be awarded.
With North Carolina and Indiana complete, Barack Obama only needs 169 total delegates to capture the Democratic nomination. This is only 36% of the total remaining delegates.
Conversely, Senator Clinton needs 326 delegates to reach the Democratic nomination, which represents a startling 69% of the remaining delegates.
With the Clinton path to the nomination getting even narrower, we expect new and wildly creative scenarios to emerge in the coming days.
While those scenarios may be entertaining, they are not legitimate and will not be considered legitimate by this campaign or its millions of supporters, volunteers, and donors.
You can help make sure Barack Obama is the nominee. Please make a donation of $25 now:
https://donate.barackobama.com/results
We want to be clear -- we believe that the winner of a majority of pledged delegates will be and should be the nominee of our party.
And we estimate that after the Oregon and Kentucky primaries on May 20th, we will have won a majority of the overall pledged delegates.
Evidently, the Clinton campaign agrees. According to a recent news report, by even their most optimistic estimates the Clinton campaign expects to trail by more than 100 pledged delegates and will then ask the superdelegates to overturn the will of the voters.
But we have our own case to make: that millions of Americans volunteering their time and donating in small amounts have built a campaign that has won the most delegates, the most states, and the most votes.
And this campaign -- your campaign -- will be the one that wins the presidency in November and delivers a wave of support for Democrats at every level of office.
Now is the time to step up and make it happen by owning a piece of this campaign. Make a donation of $25 today:
https://donate.barackobama.com/results
We'll be in touch as the situation evolves.
Thank you,
David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

A few hours after Sen. Hillary Clinton picked up superdelegate Rep. Heath Shuler of North Carolina, whose district backed her yesterday, Sen. Barack Obama's campaign announces three new ones:

Chicago, IL — The day after Barack Obama's commanding victory in North Carolina and tight finish in Indiana, three superdelegates today endorsed Barack Obama.

The three previously uncommitted superdelegates endorsing Obama are North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Meek, North Carolina DNC member Jeanette Council, and California DNC member Inola Henry.

These endorsements brings the total number of superdelegates to endorse Obama to 261. Senator Obama is 170 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

Chairman Meek said, "Over the past year, I've watched as Barack Obama has drawn countless new people to the political process. Although my position as State Chair has led me to remain neutral through the primary, I've quietly celebrated as Barack Obama offered new hope to millions of Americans who have lost faith in the American dream after years of disastrous Republican policies. Rarely does a public servant emerge with Barack Obama's ability to unite our country and produce real change. With Barack Obama as our nominee, North Carolina can deliver its electoral votes to a Democrat and Democratic candidates up and down the ballot will benefit. Barack Obama offers the best chance to take back the White House, elect countless democrats down-ballot, and breathe new life into the Democratic Party."

Jeanette Council said, "I am pleased today to be endorsing Barack Obama as he continues to unite Americans for change. This election is a unique opportunity for all Americans and Barack Obama's campaign has inspired and changed the entire face of our country. His campaign has mobilized new people and welcomed people of all ages, races, backgrounds, attracted everyone from first time voters to voters who have participated their entire adult lives. The way he has built a campaign that reflects his message of hope and change and brought all different communities to the table is unlike any campaign I have ever seen."

Council added, "I am first and foremost a Democrat and the Democratic Party is truly the party of the people, the party of inclusion that wants to engage all people in the political process. This is what Barack Obama has done. Seeing this happen, especially here in North Carolina, has changed me forever and given me hope that we can change this country. I put much thought, consideration and most importantly prayer into this decision, and today I know I am backing a candidate who can put our country on the right path. I'm proud to endorse him today."

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

I have a Web story up detailing Sen. Hillary Clinton's loan to the campaign to try and keep it competitive with Sen. Barack Obama.

In the face of increased calls for her to end her bid, or at least to back off, Clinton sends supporters a second fundraising note this afternoon:

Today, in every way that I know how, I am expressing my personal determination to keep forging forward in this campaign.

After our come-from-behind victory in Indiana, there are just 28 days of voting left. But we've never campaigned with the stakes as high or the time as short as they will be over the next four weeks.

And with you by my side, I'm going to keep fighting for what I believe in until every voter has had his or her say.

From the very beginning, you and I have counted on one another, working through every challenge and seizing every opportunity. That's not just the way our campaign works. That's the way America works.

As we enter the final four weeks of this contest, let's keep working our hearts out.

Contribute now to keep moving our campaign forward.

In six days, we have the chance to show our strength in West Virginia. If you'll stand with me, it's an opportunity I intend to make the most of.

There's no question about it -- we've got to make every one of these next 28 days count -- starting with today.

Contribute now, and let's keep winning together.

As we've told each other time and time again. There will be good days and not so good days in the course of this campaign. But there will never be a day that we can't count on one another.

As we enter the final 28 days of voting, I know you'll give it everything you've got. And you know I will do the same.

Thanks for being such a wonderful friend and ally,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

— Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times

Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama - both probably eagerly awaiting the final vote tally from Indiana - sent supporters e-mails tonight offering thanks.

Here they are, using strikingly similar language:

We just won a decisive victory in North Carolina thanks to people like you.

Indiana remains too close to call. But what is clear is that we did much better than all the pundits predicted, despite Republicans changing parties to support Senator Clinton, believing she would be easier for Senator McCain to defeat.

Here's where we stand.

As of Tuesday morning, we needed just 273 delegates to clinch the nomination. When the votes are fully counted Wednesday morning, we will have gained more than a third of them in a single day.

We have a clear path to victory. But now is the time for each one of us to step up and do what we can to close out this primary.

Please make a donation of $25 right now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/results

Thank you for everything you're doing,

Barack

And:

Tonight's victory in Indiana was close, and a margin that narrow means just one thing: every single thing you did to help us win in Indiana helped make the difference.

Every call you made, every friend you spoke to about our campaign, every dollar you cont