Reid to endorse by end of week

LAS VEGAS-Speaking to reporters in Washington D.C. today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said that he would endorse one of the Democratic candidates for president by the end of this week.

Reid has kept to a pledge of neutrality he made before the Nevada Caucuses in January.  He has said repeatedly that he, along with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, would urge all remaining uncommitted superdelegates to commit to a candidate following the final nominating contests in Montana and South Dakota.

Voting in those contests is scheduled to conclude at 7 p.m. PDT tonight.

Replying to a question that predicted an Obama clinch in the nomination tonight, Reid said, "I believe that we should wait until after the primaries are finished."

"If, in fact, it's as you've said -- and I don't accept anything at this stage -- Senator Clinton needs to be left alone.  And let's get through the primary process and let this week work its course."

"I will set an example for the rest of the Senate like I try to do with everything," said Reid.  "And something will be done this week by I think most or all delegates.  They're about 18 in the Senate -- that's how many are left -- super-delegates."

Reid also said that the Democratic National Committee's Rules Committee should reexamine the entire nominating process, including the role of superdelegates.