Since Tuesday’s results further reinforced Sen. Obama’s near insurmountable lead in the Democratic contest, superdelegates all over the country have been steadily announcing their support for Obama.  In at least one case, Rep. Donald Payne of New Jersey, the superdelegate switched his support from Clinton to Obama.  By at least some calculations (notably ABC News), Sen. Obama now leads Sen. Clinton in superdelegates.

Of particular interest and excitement to us here at Asian Americans for Obama is news that Congresswoman Mazie Hirono of Hawaii (one of the first two Buddhists elected to the US Congress, along with Hank Gilbert of Georgia, in 2006) has endorsed Sen. Obama in an announcement today from Washington:

"Today I announce my endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President
of the United States. I do so after watching these historic campaigns
unfold across our country, where hundreds of thousands of people
participated as never before. It is clear that Americans want our
country back on a course of hope and opportunity.

I make my
announcement with deep respect and admiration for Hillary Clinton. She
is an extraordinary woman. However, it is time to unite the party
behind Senator Obama and to use our energy and resources to defeat
Senator John McCain. Barack Obama can unite our Party and our country
and bring about the positive changes Americans want.

Of
course, all of us are especially proud of Senator Obama’s deep roots
here in our state, and overwhelmingly embraced his candidacy in our
recent caucus. His love for Hawaii and understanding of its diversity
have given him a foundation for understanding the diversity of our
country.

I am proud to endorse Senator Obama and I look forward to a winning campaign."

Congresswoman Hirono joins fellow Hawaii Congressman and superdelegate Neil Abercrombie in supporting Sen. Obama.  You can send a word of appreciation and thanks to Congresswoman Hirono here.  You can help with her re-election by visiting her campaign website and signing up to volunteer or give money.

For Sen. Obama’s thank you, go below the fold.

Senator Obama issued a statement thanking Congresswoman Hirono for her support:

As a native of Hawaii, it means so much to have Rep. Mazie Hirono’s support. She has worked tirelessly to help America and Hawaii achieve energy independence and to reduce its dependency on foreign oil. She
has also been a leader in working to improve the economy and to create good-paying jobs. Rep. Hirono embraces the kind of change we need in Washington, and I look forward to working closely with her.