Maryland: Maryland Superdelegates

In a statement this morning, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Kensington) endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for president.

Van Hollen praised the long nominating season for helping to "energize" the Democratic Party.

Upon the closing of polls in South Dakota, Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Towson) endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination tonight.

Sarbanes announced his support along with 25 other superdelegates -- the only Marylander to do so -- solidifying Obama's hold on the delegates needed to nominate at the August Democratic National Committee Convention.

UPDATE: Cardin will not endorse tonight. 

The New York Times reports that Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Baltimore) will endorse Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for president as part of "at least eight Senate and House members who had pledged to remain uncommitted until the primaries ended."

ANNAPOLIS-- Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Towson) told PolitickerMD.com today that "it's possible" he could endorse a presidential candidate by Wednesday, one-day after the final nominating contests in South Dakota and Montana.

Appearing at the District 30 Democratic Club Cookout and Fundraiser in Annapolis, Sarbanes would not say which candidate he would endorse. The representative from Maryland's 3rd Congressional District has long pledged to remain uncommitted until the process is finalized on Tuesday.