Oklahoma superdelegate endorses Obama

WASHINGTON — Another Oklahoma superdelegate has pledged support for Sen. Barack Obama in the Democratic presidential race. Kalyn Free's announcement today means four of the state's 10 superdelegates are backing the Illinois senator.

Free, a former Pittsburg County district attorney who now runs a group dedicated to recruiting and backing American Indians for public office, called Obama a "once-in-a-generation kind of leader" who is "committed to bringing American Indians into the national discussion and into the political process as voters, organizers and leaders."

Free, a member of the Choctaw tribe, was named a superdelegate by the Democratic National Committee.

Gov. Brad Henry announced two weeks ago that he was backing Obama, who also has the support of state Democratic Party vice-chairman Kitti Asberry and state party worker Reggie Whitten. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, has the backing of one state superdelegate, Betty McElderry, who sits on the Democratic National Committee.

Five of the state's superdelegates, including U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, and state party chairman Ivan Holmes, have yet to announce a preference.

Superdelegates are the 795 elected officials and party insiders who may ultimately decide the Democratic nomination if both candidates stay in the race when the primaries end next month. Clinton has a narrow lead of 267 to 253 of the committed superdelegates, according to politico.com.

"As a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, I am proud of what it means to be an American Indian," Free said in her announcement of support for Obama. " I am proud Barack Obama is committed to our unique issues and willing to tackle our toughest problems, from historical inequities and injustices to contemporary issues, like protection of our right to tribal self-determination, access to health care for our elders, and education for our children.

"I support Sen. Obama because I believe the only way to rebuild America is to rebuild what makes us great — the hope and drive of the American people," she said.