Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama met Sunday morning with John Edwards at Edwards' home outside Chapel Hill, continuing a courtship of the former North Carolina senator.

"Senator Obama visited this morning with John and Elizabeth Edwards at their home in Chapel Hill to discuss the state of the campaign and the pressing issues facing America families," Obama spokesman Dan Burton said in a statement.

The Obama visit followed a similar one earlier this month by New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Obama, of Illinois, and Clinton, locked in a tight fight for the Democratic presidential nomination, are working hard to get Edwards' backing.

When Edwards withdrew from the race last month, he declined to endorse a candidate. An Edwards endorsement, analysts say, could help influence the race because of his high profile, the 26 delegates he won in Iowa and New Hampshire, and his donor base. He could also influence the May 6 presidential primary in North Carolina.

Edwards has not said when or even if he will endorse someone. He told a gathering of donors at his house last weekend that he was undecided. But he said he'd had a number of telephone conversations with both candidates.

The 2004 vice presidential nominee was seen as much closer to Obama during the early primaries. Both championed a change in the status quo in Washington. Edwards directed much of his criticism at Clinton, whom he dubbed "a corporate Democrat" too tied to Washington interests.

But Edwards is also said to have some doubts about Obama's healthcare plan and whether Obama is ready for the presidency, according to former aides and associates.

In recent days, Obama and Clinton have been singing Edwards' praises. In Racine, Wis., last week, Obama said: "I think John Edwards is someone who has lifted up the party. ... I want him involved in partnering with me to move this country forward."

A week earlier in Maine, Clinton promised to be a fighter like Edwards, saying: "I intend to ask John Edwards to be part of anything I intend to do in the White House."

Obama had been scheduled to meet with Edwards last Monday, but that meeting was canceled when it became widely known. The national press corps normally flies everywhere with Obama, but he gave them the slip in Chicago, making a quick flight to Raleigh-Durham International Airport.