WASHINGTON — Barack Obama collected the support of four of John Edwards’ Democratic National Convention delegates Thursday, then gained the backing of four superdelegates and a large labor union.
The fresh support brought Obama’s overall delegate total to 1,895, compared with 1,718 for Hillary Rodham Clinton. It will take 2,026 to clinch the nomination.
Edwards, who bestowed his long-sought endorsement on Obama on Wednesday, won 19 delegates before leaving the race in January.
Within hours, Obama picked up the backing of three from South Carolina and one in New Hampshire.
In addition, three superdelegates in the House — Reps. James McDermott of Washington and Henry Waxman and Howard Berman of California — endorsed Obama. Obama also picked up the endorsement of superdelegate Larry Cohen, the president of the Communications Workers of America union. The United Steelworkers union also endorsed Obama on Thursday.
