endorsements

U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott has just endorsed Barack Obama for president. He is the last of Washington's elected superdelegates to pledge their support to a candidate for president and joins U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, U.S. Rep. Brian Baird, Gov. Chris Gregoire, and U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen in supporting the Illinois senator.

Here is what he had to say:

"I am proud to endorse Barack Obama today, because I believe he will bring us together to achieve the kind of change we need in this country moving forward. As Democrats, we are fortunate to have two very talented public servants running to be the nominee of our party, and I have great respect for Senator Clinton. But I believe now is the time to unite behind Barack Obama so we can be in the strongest place possible to win in November. Barack Obama has chosen to spend his career speaking out for those who need a voice and reaching across the aisle to bring change that matters in the lives of working families. I am confident that as president, Barack Obama will end the war in Iraq and bring our sons and daughters home, he will make universal health care a reality and he will restore our moral standing in the world. Barack Obama won the race in my home state by an overwhelming margin and I am thankful that so many new voters have become engaged because of the kind of campaign he has run, and I am happy to support him today."

Today the National Abortion & Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL)'s Pro Choice America PAC endorsed Barack Obama for president, citing his pro-choice record and the tenor of his candidacy.

However, the local affiliate here in Washington decided to stay neutral. Like the national chapter they also cited the strong support of both Democratic candidates, but instead used that logic to withhold an endorsement, perhaps because of Hillary Clinton's connection to Sen. Patty Murray.

Gov. Chris GregoireGovernor Chris Gregoire received the endorsement of the Washington State Labor Council over the weekend. The Council is the state federation of the AFL-CIO, one of the largest and most influential labor unions in the country.

This comes one week after Gregoire received the endorsement of another major union in the state, the SEIU. The Governor won the WSLC endorsement with a unanimous vote.

U.S. Rep. Rick LarsenRepublican candidate Rick Bart may be a former sheriff, but he doesn't have all the law on his side. Today the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association endorsed incumbent U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen for Congress in the 2nd District.

"Endorsing Congressman Rick Larsen again was an easy decision for the Troopers Association board," said Tom Pillow, President of the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association. "He has been a friend with an open ear and open door during his entire tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, always supporting public safety issues that are critical to every officer's personal and professional lives."

The Washington State Service Employees International Union Local 925, one of the largest and most politically active unions in the nation that represents childcare and health care workers, has announced it will endorse Gov. Chris Gregoire for governor in 2008.

TNT's Political Buzz reports that the official endorsement will occur tomorrow morning at 9:30 in Tacoma at Community Montessori Day Care.

The Washington state SEIU endorsed Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination earlier this year.

UPDATE: TNT has coverage here.

Today being Earth Day, it is fitting that 8th District Congressional candidate Darcy Burner (D-Carnation) should announce the support of someone prominently attached to the celebration. Earth Day founder Denis Hayes said today that he is endorsing Burner in her race against Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Auburn), calling her the "real deal" and a "true environmentalist".

Washington Conservation Voters, the interest group that dubs itself "the political voice for the environment", is endorsing Chris Gregoire for Governor. They will announce the endorsement this afternoon at Gregoire's final bus tour stop in Seattle. The group also backed Gregoire in 2004.

A couple of GOP endorsements to report on today, first Larry Ishmael (R-Kirkland) received the backing of influential pastor The Rev. Dr. Joseph Fuiten for his 1st District challenge to Rep. Jay Inslee.  read more »

The Washington Federation of State Employees released its list of endorsements for the state this weekend after its delegates met to decide upon their candidate of choice in each race. As the press release states, "They primarily endorsed incumbents."  read more »

The AP reports that Eastern Washington's two Congressional Representatives, Doc Hastings (R-4th) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-5th), both endorsed John McCain's Presidential bid today. Both stressed McCain's national security credentials and support of the Snake River hyodroelectric system.