Pr. George's Executive Switches To Obama

Rick Abbruzzese, a spokesman for O'Malley, said, "The governor continues to support Senator Clinton."

Del. Carolyn J.B. Howard (D-Prince George's) also rejected Johnson's call.

"I'm still committed to Senator Clinton until she decides that she's no longer in the race," Howard said. "You don't quit before it's over."

Several Maryland superdelegates have endorsed Obama in recent days, but Johnson is the first pledged delegate to switch sides.

In February, Johnson endorsed Clinton alongside Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown (D), telling a crowd of 100 supporters that she would "fight for us on the issues."

The late support surprised many at the time, in part because of his county's enthusiastic support of Obama.

It also came two months after Johnson's name appeared on a list distributed by the Obama campaign of Maryland politicians supporting his effort. An aide at the time confirmed that Johnson had authorized the use of his name by Obama's campaign.

Johnson said yesterday that the February endorsement had been a difficult decision, driven by his personal loyalty to Clinton and former president Bill Clinton. He said he is unconcerned that his support for either candidate might appear less than steadfast.

"My job is to bring unity, and we will not have unity in Maryland if Barack Obama is not the nominee," he said.

Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler, the co-chairman of Obama's campaign in Maryland, called Johnson's support "helpful," noting the executive's position as the leader of the prominent African American jurisdiction, which has the largest concentration of registered Democrats in the state.

But Gansler said he thinks the unity Johnson seeks will come before the August convention regardless.

"His leadership coming over now cannot be ignored and should be followed," Gansler said.

"Does it need to be followed today? I don't think so. Inevitably, all the Clinton delegates will come over to the Obama camp."