Tim Kaine, national co-chair of the Obama for America campaign, released the following statement Tuesday on Barack Obama clinching the Democratic nomination:

"Tonight, I want to congratulate Senator Obama on securing the Democratic nomination for president.

"It has been a long journey since Barack announced his candidacy in February of 2007. And, after 54 contests beginning more than five months ago in Iowa, Senator Obama is poised to make a successful and historic General Election run for the White House.

"I endorsed Barack shortly after he announced because I believed his positive message of hope and his commitment to end politics-as-usual was desperately needed in Washington.

"Now, more than ever, I believe Senator Obama to be the best-equipped candidate to bring folks together from across the political spectrum and bring transformative change to our country.

"Now it is time for all of us to come together and focus our efforts on winning in November.

"Senator Clinton ran a strong campaign and has been a formidable opponent, but it's time to unite solidly behind Senator Obama and his effort to move this country forward."