Maryland for Obama

Johnson stumps for Clinton in February: Politicker PhotoPrince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson's decision to leave Hillary Clinton for Barack Obama rasies the question of how pledged is a pledged delegate?

Johnson told The Washington Post today he could not “in good conscience” go to the Democratic National Convention and continue to support Clinton.

Johnson is one of 28 so-called pledged delegates committed to Clinton within the state. In the Maryland primary last February, Obama defeated Clinton by a margin of 61 to 36 percent.

So, could Johnson legally support Obama at the convention if so desires? If so, could he do it on the first ballot? According to the Democratic National Committee (DNC), the answer is yes.

On their website tonight, the group Maryland for Obama thanked supporters for contributing to the senator's large victory over Hillary Clinton in the state. The statement read:

"We can celebrate a great victory here in the Free State, but our job is not complete. We need to help Senator Obama in the weeks ahead in the Wisconsin, Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania contests. We can see the finish line, together let's cross it!"

At this hour, with 81 percent of precincts reporting, Obama leads Clinton 60% to 36% in Maryland.