WASHINGTON, D.C.—For the first time in his campaign, Obama has taken the lead in coveted pledges from superdelegates to the Democratic National Convention in August.
Senator Obama now has pledges from 275 of the superdelegates compared to Senator Clinton's 271.5, according to the latest tally by The Associated Press.
"While I have great respect for Senator Clinton, today I am announcing my support for Barack Obama," announced Virgin Island superdelegate Kevin Rodriquez on Saturday when he reversed his previous endorsement of Hillary Clinton.
Rodriguez along with fellow Virgin Island superdelegate Carole Burke closed the gap on Clinton as Obama pushed into the superdelegate lead on Saturday.
Senator Obama has maintained a strong lead in delegates for some time now, having won primaries in 32 states and territories. The superdelegates, however, had consistently shown more support for Senator Clinton until now.
Superdelegates are different from other delegates at the Democratic National Convention, because unlike other delegates they are not obligated to vote based on the results of the party's primaries and caucuses. They are mostly elected officials and ranking members of the party, and they cast their votes on an individual basis.
Given how close the democratic contest has been, the superdelegates are essential for either candidate, and will largely determine who will win the party nomination and face the presumptive republican candidate John McCain.
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