Susan Turnbull

Obama and Sweeney: In Chicago last weekOverlooked since last month has been the story of the remaining Democratic superdelegates, as it was assumed they would all fall in line for Barack Obama -- an assumption that was correct.

After the superdelgate bonanza of June 3 to 4, two remained in the Maryland undeclared column: AFL-CIO president John Sweeney and Democratic National Committee Vice Chair Susan Turnbull.

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.

"This record enthusiasm has already helped to grow our Majority in Congress through three straight special election wins," the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said. "The enthusiasm, new voters, and Americans' demand for change has clearly expanded the playing field for House Democrats this fall. Our nominee Barack Obama is inspiring millions of Americans to register to vote and go to the polls."

He also congratulated Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) on her campaign.

Obama leads in Maryland superdelegates with 14, followed by Clinton's 11. Rep. Steny Hoyer, Sen. Ben Cardin, DNC Vice Chair Susan Turnbull and AFL-CIO President John Sweeney remain undeclared.

DNC Vice Chair Susan TurnbullThis Sunday, high-ranking Democratic National Committee member Susan Turnbull and her husband Bruce are hosting a fundraiser for Montgomery County Delegate Bill Frick at their Bethesda home.

Turnbull, who was elected DNC Vice Chair in February 2005, has served on the DNC Executive Committee since 1997. She has been especially influential as a member of the Women’s Caucus, which she chaired from 1997 to 2003. In 2001 she was a founding Co-Chair of the DNC Women's Vote Center and was appointed DNC Deputy Chair in the fall of 2003 before her current position.

Del. Frick is the currently the weakest link among his District 16 colleagues, as there will be no shortage of ambitious local Democrats looking to seize on his low name recognition and give him a tough primary in 2010.