Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton each picked up the support of a superdelegate from North Carolina in the wake of Tuesday's presidential primary.

State Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Meek said he will support Obama, who carried North Carolina in the primary. U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler pledged his support to Sen. Hillary Clinton after she won in his Western North Carolina district .

The Obama campaign announced Meek's endorsement today.

"I've quietly celebrated as Barack Obama offered new hope to millions of Americans who have lost faith in the American dream after years of disastrous Republican policies," Meek said in a statement issued by the campaign. "Barack Obama offers the best chance to take back the White House, elect countless Democrats down-ballot, and breathe new life into the Democratic Party."

Shuler, meanwhile, had said he would back the candidate who won in his district. Clinton carried the district by 13 points.

Shuler, a former NFL quarterback, is serving his first term in Congress. He is the third superdelegate from North Carolina to back Clinton. The others are Gov. Mike Easley and Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Susan Burgess.

Obama now has the support of eight North Carolina superdelegates.

Another superdelegate, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge of Lillington, intends to stay uncommitted, according a spokeswoman said today.