WASHINGTON (AP) Ñ While much of the political world waits for Hillary Rodham Clinton to concede defeat, most superdelegates are done waiting.
The avalanche of endorsements, expected so many times throughout the campaign, has finally materialized.
Barack Obama added 51 superdelegates Tuesday, the final day of a marathon battle for the Democratic presidential nomination. He picked up 21 more Wednesday, including numerous members of Congress who said it was time to unite the party for the general election.
Clinton had a net loss of nine superdelegates over the two days.
Obama has 2,175 delegates Ñ 57 more than needed to win the nomination at the party's national convention this summer. Clinton has 1,923.5, according to The Associated Press count.
"The most important thing our party could get out of this primary was an open and transparent process that reflected the will of the Democratic voters," Rep. Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania said in a statement. "I think the Democratic Party has accomplished this, and it's clear to me that Barack Obama has won this nomination fair and square."
Sen. Herb Kohl of Wisconsin said the party was "fortunate to have two exceptional candidates who were willing to put themselves forward and work tirelessly these many months, and for that they have our gratitude."
But, he added, "Now that Senator Obama has won the nomination, we can unite behind his historic candidacy."