Democratic U.S. Reps. David Price and Mel Watt endorsed Obama on Wednesday, saying he represents the state and the country's best hope for change in the White House.

The men, both leaders in Congress, were among the most sought-after of the remaining unpledged superdelegates.

Price, former executive director of the N.C. Democratic Party, is a subcommittee chairman in the House spending committee, controlling the purse strings of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Watt, a senior member of the financial services committee, is the former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

They made their announcement Wednesday in the hope of giving Obama momentum as the Illinois senator travels into the state capital today. Price may join him on stage, depending on what work remains in Congress.

Both congressional representatives had endorsed John Edwards. Their endorsement brings to three the number of congressional Democrats from North Carolina endorsing Obama; they joined U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield of Wilson.

Other North Carolina congressional Democrats have not endorsed either Obama or Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Rep. Brad Miller, however, told a Capitol Hill newspaper this week that he believes Obama will be the Democratic nominee.

It's unclear what weight Watt's and Price's backing will have in North Carolina. Obama already leads Clinton by double digits.

But Price and Watt said part of their reasoning is that they think Obama can put the Tar Heel state into play for Democrats in the fall.

"He's committed to competing and winning in our state," Price said. "I believe we can turn North Carolina blue."

Watt called Obama's campaign "completely inclusive, uniquely democratic and uniquely American."

Watt said previously he didn't think the country was ready for a black man as president, but he said Wednesday he may have been wrong. "I'm surprised, and pleasantly surprised, that Barack's campaign has continued to build momentum," Watt said. "It's a new day in America."