Ritter backs Obama; Udall to announce pick Wednesday

On the night Barack Obama claimed victory in the Democratic presidential race, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter threw his support behind the U.S. Senator from Illinois.

Ritter, a Democratic superdelegate, had long said he would wouldn't endorse either Obama and U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) because he was the host governor for the Democratic National Convention, scheduled to be held in Denver in August.

But in a statement released Tuesday night, Ritter said he was "proud to pledge my support to Sen. Barack Obama to become the next President of the United States of America."

"Sen. Obama offers a strong sense of hope and promise for our country's future," Ritter said in the statement. "His success at inspiring people from all walks of life, his commitment to the need for education and health-care reform, and his sense of independence and purpose make him appealing to Coloradans and other Westerners. He understands the promise of a New Energy Economy, of opportunity for all, of building a strong economy for our children. He is the best person to help Americans and Coloradans achieve their God-given potential, and I am proud to endorse him."

Ritter's choice leaves only three uncommitted superdelegates from Colorado: U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Denver), U.S. Rep. John Salazar (D-Manassa) and U.S. Rep. Mark Udall (D-Eldorado Springs).

The Denver Post reported Tuesday night that Udall, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, would endorse on Wednesday.

Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak, who endorsed Obama last week, said at that time that most superdelegates would probably line up behind Obama following Tuesday's Democratic primaries in South Dakota and Montana -- the last Democratic primaries of the year.

Clinton won the South Dakota primary; Obama won Montana.