U.S. Reps. David Price of Chapel Hill and Mel Watt of Charlotte announced this afternoon that they are endorsing Obama over Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for president.

The congressmen hope to make it back to North Carolina on Thursday for Obama's visit here.

The superdelegates from the Tar Heel state have been followed closely by media and political observers alike. Both Watt and Price had previously endorsed John Edwards for president.

In a conference call, Price said Obama can help bring independent voters to the Democratic column in November.

"With Barack Obama as our nominee, I believe we can turn North Carolina blue this year," Price said.

He also said he supports Obama's stands on the Iraq war, the use of security contractors by the U.S. military and the economy.

He said Obama would be in the "strongest position" to announce to the world "a new day in American diplomacy."

Obama would help "transcend the conflicts and resentments of the past" and energize a new generation of voters, Price said. "I believe he's a leader who will bring us the change we need." If the upcoming primaries don't produce a clear winner, the role of 800 superdelegates will come under increased scrutiny.

The superdelegates will attend the convention because of their status as elected Democrats or party members from each state. They can support whichever candidate they want, regardless of the primary results.