Published: April 30, 2008 01:32 pm      

Rep. Hill endorses Obama

9th District congressman is a superdelegate

Rep. Baron Hill has pledged his support and superdelegate vote to Democratic Party presidential hopeful Barack Obama, making the announcement today, precluding a Bloomington rally for the Illinois senator scheduled for this evening.

“Some have advised me to be cautious, to wait and see which way the electoral winds may blow. I confess that I have listened to those voices and been tempted by their reasoning — but the stakes are just too high,” Hill stated in a press release.

The Indiana representative stated he believes both Obama and Hillary Clinton are formidable candidates, but believes only one of them can unite the country by ending the “same politics of personal destruction” he said the country has engaged in for a generation.

Hill denounced the recent comments of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, saying they are not how Hoosier families feel about the country. Hill said Obama’s decision to reprobate Wright’s recent statements showed him the Illinois senator is a leader.

“One of the tests of a true leader is his ability and willingness to come to a new conclusion based on new events,” Hill said. “Sen. Obama did just that yesterday.”

Hill added choosing between Clinton and Obama was difficult, but consulting with mentors including former congressman Lee Hamilton led him to today’s announcement.

“As someone who has always worked in a bipartisan manner to achieve results, I know that we need a president who can bring people together and build consensus to move this country in a new and exciting direction,” Hill said.

A spokeswoman for Hill said the congressman would expand on his endorsement during tonight’s rally in Bloomington.