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"But Senator Clinton has not withdrawn from the race, and she intends to compete vigorously in the remaining contests.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