Rep. Rick Larsen, one of the state’s last uncommitted superdelegates, endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president this afternoon. Larsen’s decision gives Obama backing from five of Washington’s 17 superdelegates, one less than Clinton.
It leaves six of the state’s Democratic superdelegates uncommitted.
Larsen represents the 2nd Congressional District that encompasses part of Snohomish County and all of Island, Skagit, Whatcom and San Juan counties.
He joins fellow representatives Adam Smith and Brian Baird as well as Gov. Chris Gregoire and party official Pat Notter in backing Obama.
Those supporting Clinton as of Thursday afternoon were U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell; U.S. Reps. Norm Dicks and Jay Inslee; King County Executive Ron Sims; and former U.S. Rep. Thomas Foley.
Larsen made clear in February he would be waiting a long time before backing a candidate.
“If I need to exercise my vote as a superdelegate in order to have a nominee this fall, then I will. I believe the grass roots of the party should select the candidate. The grass-roots process is not done. We should let it finish,” he said.