Former Gov. Gary Locke told Seattle Times reporter Ralph Thomas this afternoon that he has switched his support to Barack Obama. Locke was one of three co-chairmen on the Clinton campaign here. We're waiting to hear from Ron Sims and Jay Inslee.

It’s clear that the primary contest is over. Sen. Obama has done an incredible job of inspiring and energizing voters. We need to bring this to an end. We can not wait. This can not go to the convention. It’s time for us all to rally around Sen. Obama.

We should and must rally around him. I am very proud to support Sen. Obama.

Locke said he's not worried about the long, bitter primary fight. In fact, he thinks it will help Obama because it fired up the Democratic base, brought in a lot of new voters and given a lot more exposure to key Democratic issues such as health care, the environment and the economy.

The Democrats have had the luxury of two incredibly outstanding candidates.