Maryland DNC superdelegate Leong-Hong backs Obama

Bel Leong-HongMaryland Democratic National Committeewoman and superdelegate Belkis "Bel" Leong-Hong endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for president this evening.

Leong-Hong, a former high-ranking Department of Defense employee and now the principal of a consulting firm, released a statement touting Obama as "the strongest candidate for the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community [who] understands that it’s time for AAPI issues — immigration, education, and small business policy, for example — to be discussed on the national stage."

"And as someone who has lived in AAPI and international communities, I know he shares our unwavering belief in America as a land of prosperity and opportunity for all," she added.

Leong-Hong's endorsement leaves Obama tied with Hillary Clinton for Maryland superdelegates. Both have 11 while 7 are undeclared.

"I look forward to working with Senator Obama and his campaign to actively engage our Asian American and Pacific Islander community in the general election," Leong-Hong said. "Our community is actively participating in this exciting election and will be a critical, swing-vote constituency contributing to a historic democratic victory in November."