NC Gov Endorses Hillary

A week before that state's primary, North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley has endorsed Hillary Clinton.

At a joint appearance in Raleigh Tuesday morning, the two-term Democrat said Clinton "gets it." "It's time for somebody to be in the White House who understands the challenges we face in this country," Easley said. Easley's endorsement comes a week before the state's May 6 primary. It's a boost for the former first lady, who is trailing Barack Obama in most state polls. Easley is the second North Carolina superdelegate to endorse Clinton. Obama has the backing of six superdelegates in the state. Easley and Clinton began the day touring a biotechnology lab at North Carolina State University.

North Carolina holdouts: According to the New York Times, Elizabeth Edwards is leaning on her husband to endorse Hillary. John Edwards is thought to be waiting until there is a clear nominee, presumably not to hurt his chances of being selected (again) for the VP slot. There is a chance the two Edwards will split their endorsements. The family plans to visit Walt Disney World this week in order to keep the primary spotlight off of them.

UPDATE: Andy Towle covers the growing controversy regarding Gov. Easley's comment that Hillary "makes Rocky Balboa look like a pansy."