Three high-profile Missouri Democratic superdelegates — previously uncommitted — announced tonight they are now behind Barack Obama as he declares himself the party’s nominee.

Attorney general and candidate for governor Jay Nixon, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan and party Chairman John Temporiti all came out for Obama tonight.

Hillary Clinton “ran a strong campaign and she empowered millions of Americans to reach for their dreams,” Nixon said in a statement released by the state party. “But after eight years of George W. Bush, Sen. Obama is the right candidate to bring about the change our country so badly needs.”