PRESS RELEASE from John Spratt for Congress

News from the John Spratt Campaign

June 3, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Spratt Announces His Vote for Obama

 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC), a super delegate to the Democratic National Convention, today announced that he will support and vote to nominate Senator Barack Obama.

 

“Today I am announcing a decision I have withheld until the primary elections had run their course.  I am supporting and will cast my super delegate vote for Senator Barack Obama.

 

“Here’s why:

 

“First of all, Barack Obama carried 44 of the 46 counties in South Carolina and all 14 counties in my 5th Congressional District.  That’s impressive, and instructive, but it is not dispositive.

 

“More important to me is the fact that Senator Obama, in seeking the nomination, has shown that he is highly capable, clearly competent, and equal to the challenge. Through a grueling campaign and rigorous debates, he won not just the points but the people, and not just their support but their hearts and minds. I am astounded at the mix of people who tell me that they are supporting Obama. One of his earliest commitments came from one of South Carolina ’s most prominent bankers, now retired. My nephew’s wife comes from the North Shore of Chicago, a long way from the Southside, and until Barak Obama, she was a registered Republican. She changed her registration to vote for Obama in the primary. I attended a wedding over the Memorial Day recess, and one young professional after another told me they are for Obama. A judge, once a Republican office holder, confided that he will vote for Obama. He likes his fresh face and message. We saw this new configuration taking shape when a record number of voters showed up for our presidential primary, 125,000 more than four years ago.

 

“Charisma is formidable but not enough. A president has to be able to manage as well as lead. I think Barack Obama has proved that he can do both by organizing a national campaign that has trumped his senior, more experienced colleagues.

 

“In the end, it’s eloquence that sets Senator Obama apart, and we saw the difference it can make when President Reagan came to office.  In the case of Senator Obama, it is not just rhetorical flourish, but the clarity and insight behind it.  

 

“I could support any of several contenders in this primary. Bill Richardson and I served together in the House, and are old friends.  I know and admire Joe Biden and Chris Dodd, and I likewise admire John Edwards, and believe we have not seen the last of him. If Senator Clinton had a majority of the votes at this point, I would gladly support her. She has run an impressive race, and would make a great president. But under the Democratic Party rules, I believe that Senator Obama has earned the nomination and proved his ability. It is time to rally behind him, unite the party, and win back the White House.”