All eyes on Edwards in N. Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C., April 29 (UPI) -- The endorsement of either John or Elizabeth Edwards may add to the discord in the Democratic nomination as the race heads to North Carolina, supporters say.

Sens. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., raced through North Carolina before the May 6 primary there wooing potential supporters.

Remaining on the sidelines, for now, are former presidential candidate and North Carolina Sen. John Edwards and his politically influential wife, Elizabeth, whose endorsement could push a candidate to the nomination, The New York Times said Tuesday.

With Obama holding a significant lead in North Carolina, Clinton needs the support from the Edwardses to boost her chances of cinching the nomination before the Democratic National Convention in August, the newspaper said.

Former Sen. Edwards suggested he will not endorse before the May 6 primary, though his aides are pushing for an Obama endorsement. The senator's former campaign chairman, Ed Turlington, publicly backed Obama last week.

Elizabeth, meanwhile, said she favors the healthcare plan of Sen. Clinton and her aides say she is trying to pressure her husband to do the same.

"In North Carolina, Elizabeth is more important," said one North Carolina resident. "I'm not going to be surprised if she endorses Hillary and he endorses Obama."