"Today the primary process draws to a close.  From the beginning, I have made it clear that I would put the Democratic Party's best interest first and remain publicly neutral as this process ran its course, but it is now time to make my preference known.  Today I am pledging my delegate vote to Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States.
 
"I believe the nomination of Senator Obama is our Party's best chance for victory in November, and our nation's best hope for much needed change.  Senator Obama brings a new vision for our future and new voters to our cause.  He has created levels of energy and excitement that I have not witnessed since the 1960's. 
 
"Recent surveys indicate that Senator Obama is by far the most preferred presidential candidate among Democrats and independents, and I believe he is the most electable candidate that Democrats can offer.  He will be able to dramatically change the electoral map for Democrats which will in turn expand our majorities here in Congress, and help elect more Democrats at the state and local levels. Furthermore, I believe that Senator Obama is the Democrat who can unite our people, help heal our nation's wounds, improve our standing on the world stage, and steer our country in a new direction. 
 
"What is especially exciting about Senator Obama's candidacy is its attraction to young and independent voters.  Our Party cannot hope to continue our recent successes if we don't continue to attract new voters.  Senator Obama has demonstrated the ability to draw a new map for Democrats by putting traditionally red states like Colorado, Virginia and North Carolina, and swing states like New Mexico, Missouri and Iowa in play. 
 
"A recent Zogby poll has Senator Obama leading Senator McCain in every age demographic except for those over 65.  That speaks volumes about which candidate represents our nation's future, and which represents our past.   I admit I am over 65, but my support of Senator Obama is a vote for our children's and grandchildren's futures. 
 
"This is a pivotal time for our Party, our nation and the world.  This past weekend the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee made a decision to act in the interest of party unity, and now we must come together.  Our Party's success going forward will depend in large measure upon how we treat each other between now and our national convention, how we appear to the nation during our national convention, and how we conduct the campaign after our national convention. 
 
"Our Vice Presidential nominee will be introduced to the nation on the eve of the 45 Anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, the historic petition to the nation for gender, ethnic and workplace equality. Our Presidential nominee will accept our Party's nomination on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic call for a nation where we are all judged by 'the content of our character rather than the color of our skin.' Over the next several weeks, our Party will have an historic opportunity to transcend these issues that have plagued our nation since its founding and our Party for generations.
 
"All of us have roles to play in helping to unify this party and unite in support of our nominee.  But united does not mean unanimous, united means recognizing and respecting some realities.  And it is a reality that delegates determine the winner.  No matter the outcome tonight, Senator Obama will lead in the delegate count and should be named the nominee.  Any other outcome would require un-pledged delegates, who have the power and authority to do so, to reverse the results of those who played by the established rules and worked hard in the primaries and caucuses.  This would be unwarranted and could make the nomination worthless.
 
"I believe the time has come for all un-pledged delegates to make their choices known, and I believe our best choice against a George Bush third term is Senator Barack Obama." 
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