BY Laura Barron, NBC17
RALEIGH, N.C. - The battle for the Democratic nomination for president could go all the way to the national convention, and come down to the superdelegates.

But who are these mysterious influencers? Superdelegates are made up of governors, Senators, House members and other party officials or members. They don’t have to choose a candidate until the convention.A spokesperson for the North Carolina Democratic Headquarters explained superdelegates are chosen by virtue of the position they hold or they can be a normal person appointed by the chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

If no majority of delegates is won, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will likely focus on trying to win over the superdelegates to gain the party nomination.

There are currently 17 superdelegates in North Carolina and two more to be added in June, according to the NC Democratic Headquarters. They include party leaders like Gov. Mike Easley, Congressman Bob Etheridge and State Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek — who all might have to make a difficult decision.

“None of us want to have to actually cast this vote,” Meek said. ”To that extent, it would be better if somebody already locked up the nomination.”

Democratic National Committee member Everett Ward, who also works for the Department of Transportation, has already endorsed Barack Obama.

“As a superdelegate, I know we will have to make the decision that’s in the best interest of our party and the best interest in the country,” Ward said.

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North Carolina Superdelegates

• Joyce Brayboy. Communications consultant who works in Washington, D.C. Uncommitted.
• Susan Burgess. Charlotte city council member and chair of Democratic Municipal Officials organization. Supports Clinton.
• Jeannette Council. Member of Cumberland County board of commissioners in Fayetteville. Uncommitted.
• Jerry Meek. Chairman of North Carolina Democratic Party. Uncommitted.
• Dannie Montgomery. Party activist in Lilesville, N.C. Supports Obama.
• Muriel K. Offerman. Former North Carolina revenue secretary and current state party treasurer. Uncommitted.
• David Parker. Lawyer in Statesville. Uncommitted.
• Carol W. Peterson. Buncombe County Commissioner in Asheville. Uncommitted.
• Everett Ward. Former executive director of North Carolina Democratic Party. Supports Obama.
• Michael F. Easley. Governor of North Carolina.Uncommitted.
• Rep. G.K. Butterfield. Supports Obama.
• Rep. Bob Etheridge. Uncommitted.
• Rep. Mike McIntyre. Uncommitted.
• Rep. Brad Miller. Uncommitted.
• Rep. David Price. Uncommitted.
• Rep. Heath Shuler. Uncommitted.
• Rep. Melvin Watt. Uncommitted.

BY MEDIA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON- As a citizen living in North Carolina, David Parker gets to vote in the state’s Democratic presidential primary in May.  As a Democratic superdelegate, he’ll cast a second vote - a much more influential one - when the party meets to nominate Sen. Hillary Clinton or Sen. Barack Obama at the national convention in August.

Though Obama has surged ahead of Clinton in the all-important race for delegates, it’s increasingly possible that neither candidate will have the majority needed to win the nomination when the primary season ends.

The nominee could be determined by the votes of Parker and 795 other superdelegates: local activists, congressmen, former presidents and party insiders from every state who can vote for whomever they please. They’re political free agents.

“Obama touches my heart, Hillary touches my brain. I’m waiting for my last precinct - my gut to come in - and it hasn’t reported yet,” said Parker, who has not decided how to vote.

Of North Carolina’s 17 superdelegates, three are supporting Obama, one is supporting Clinton, and the rest are uncommitted or staying silent. (more…)

WASHINGTON (AP) - Not so fast, Sen. McCain.

John McCain’s campaign issued a statement last week claiming the Arizona senator had surpassed the number of delegates needed to secure the GOP nomination for president, after Mitt Romney endorsed him.

John McCain sure looks like he has the nomination all but wrapped up. But he isn’t there yet, and here’s why: It will take 1,191 delegates to secure the Republican nomination at the national convention this summer. McCain has 908 delegates, including those won in primaries and caucuses as well as endorsements from party leaders who automatically attend the convention. Romney has 253, according to The Associated Press tally.

Together, that’s 1,161 delegates, which could make it tempting for some to put McCain over the top Tuesday evening if he fares well in primaries in Washington state and Wisconsin. A total of 59 delegates will be at stake.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has a total of 245 delegates, placing him behind a candidate who isn’t even in the race anymore. GOP rules, however, say McCain still has work to do.

The rules vary state to state. But in general, Romney has little authority over his delegates after he releases them. The vast majority haven’t been named. Once they are, most will be free agents at the convention, free to support whomever they choose. (more…)