John Edwards’ Home State Backer Switches to Barack Obama

From Staff Reports, The News & Observer

U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield has endorsed Illinois Sen. Barack Obama for president.

The Wilson Democrat had previously backed former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards' bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

In a statement from the Obama campaign, Butterfield was quoted as saying that he believes that Edwards is basically out of the race.

"In what has become a two-person race for the Democratic nomination, I believe our country needs Senator Barack Obama," Butterfield said in the statement.

Butterfield could not be reached Friday, but his office confirmed the news.

He had announced his endorsement of Edwards in March.

Officials with the Edwards campaign could not be reached for comment.

The other Democrats in the state's congressional delegation -- U.S. Reps. Bob Etheridge, Mike McIntyre, Brad Miller, David Price, Heath Shuler and Mel Watt -- have backed Edwards.