Akaka endorses Obama

Hawaii's junior senator, Dan Akaka, endorsed Sen. Barack Obama this morning for the Democratic presidential nomination. Akaka is the fourth and final member of Hawaii's congressional delegation to make an endorsement.

Obama also picked up the endorsement of Dolly Strazar, another Hawaii superdelegate. Strazar is the Hawaii Democratic party's national committeewoman. Richard Port, the national committeeman has endorsed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

While Hawaii senior Sen. Dan Inouye has endorsed Clinton, U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Mazie Hirono endorsed Obama.

Akaka said this morning in a news release that he waited so long to announce his choice because he knew all 10 of the original Democratic presidential candidates and all would make good leaders.

"I have great hope, that in his own way, Barack Obama will achieve what I have been working to accomplish my entire Congressional career, more tolerance and understanding, an appreciation for common goals and interests, rather than an emphasis on our differences," Akaka said.

Akaka also praised Clinton and former President Bill Clinton, saying he had the "highest regard" for both "as colleagues and friends."

In a news release from the Obama campaign in Hawaii, Strazar said, "I am now convinced that it is time to pull together behind a single candidate who has the backing of a growing number of Americans. I therefore announce my wholehearted endorsement of Senator Barack Obama."

The final three superdelegates from Hawaii will be chosen at the state Democratic party convention May 23-25.