Obama promises to put Obama on tourist map

Amid fresh enthusiasm, self-styled Obama supporters were gathering in beachside Obama Park to celebrate the candidate’s march to the nomination with local hula dancers as the sun sets.

“We believed this day would come. There were days we were worried, but we are really glad that we have kept working” to support Obama, said Seiji Fujihara, head of the local tourism board.

“We want to have more campaigns that could help Mr Obama and continue our fight until the very end of the election,” he said, promising to keep up their support to help Obama beat Republican nominee John McCain.

Illinois Senator Obama claimed a “milestone” majority of elected delegates in the Democratic White House race, declaring after Tuesday’s two end-game primaries that he was “within reach” of the nomination.

Supporters in Obama — which means “small shore” in Japanese — have held parties to watch results of voting in primary battles and put up posters wishing the senator luck.

The senator has delighted supporters here by writing in February to salute them. Obama Mayor Toshio Murakami got the letter from Obama expressing his appreciation for the town’s “support and encouragement.” Obama wrote the letter in English but signed it in Japanese, “Your Friend.”