Sen. Akaka Backs Obama

Hawaii's Sen. Daniel K. Akaka is the latest "superdelegate" to back Hawaii-born Barack Obama's bid for President of the United States. His announcement was first noted by NBC's Domenico Montanaro on MSNBC and confirmed via a Star-Bulletin report on Akaka's official statement. His announcement brings the number of superdelegates pledged today to four, all supporting Obama.

Obama previously backed Akaka's reelection in 2006, appearing in a local television commercial when Akaka faced a challenge by former Rep. Ed Case, so his endoresement may not be too much of a surprise. Still, his announcement gives Obama the support of three out of four members of Hawaii's congressional delegation: Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono have also endorsed Obama.

Hawaii's senior, and most powerful senator, Sen. Daniel Inouye, has endorsed Clinton.

Obama has picked up 22 superdelegates since last Tuesday's primaries in Indiana and North Carolina, versus Clinton's one. With today's announcements, Obama now leads Clinton in both pledged delegates and superdelegates.