Las Vegas- In a possible violation of state Democratic bylaws, Theresa Benitez-Thompson, new first vice chair of the Nevada Democratic Party, today announced her support for Ill. Sen. Barack Obama, according to Obama's website. In a statement posted on the website, Benitez-Thompson wrote:

"This year, Democrats are graced with the opportunity to choose among excellent candidates for our nation's highest office. After careful thought, it is my honor today to endorse Sen. Barack Obama who, day by day and state by state, is challenging politics as usual and engaging so many new, diverse, Democratic voters. These new voters will propel Sen. Obama to victory in November and help elect great Democrats at the state and local level."

Benitez-Thompson's announcement was immediately seized upon by national media as one of two new superdelegate votes for Obama at the Democrats' national convention in August.

Unfortunately for Benitez-Thompson and Obama, however, her endorsement may constitute a violation of the Nevada State Democratic Party's bylaws. According to Article 5, Section 3:

"State officers may be removed from office for any of the following reasons, with cause for removal not limited to these reasons: (f) endorsing or demonstrating official aid or support of one Democratic candidate over another in a primary election, or aiding or supporting any political candidates of an opposing party."

According to the bylaws, the state party should now notify Benitez-Thompson by certified letter that her office will be terminated and post filled at the next meeting of the State Central Committee. Benitez-Thompson will have the opportunity to appear to defend her actions but should be removed by a two-thirds vote of the committee.

Of course, if Benitez-Thompson is removed from office, she will not be in a position to cast a superdelegate vote at the national convention and her endorsement will have served only to give the state party cause to remove her.

As of this posting, Benitez-Thompson could not be reached for comment.