By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
U.S. Rep. Mel Watt is hoping his status as super delegate won’t mean much come convention time.
Watt, who represents the 12th Congressional District that includes parts of Rowan County, has been under pressure from both both Democratic presidential camps since John Edwards withdrew. Watt had pledged to support the former U.S. senator from North Carolina.
During a visit to Salisbury Thursday, Watt said he will endorse either Sen. Barrack Obama or Sen. Hillary Clinton before the May 6 primary in North Carolina.
“I will try to lead my constituents,” said Watt.
But if one of the candidates rolls up a majority of 60 percent or better, he said, he will likely follow the voters’ lead ó even if the winner isn’t the candidate he endorsed.
Watt also said he is getting more calls to make the endorsement sooner rather than later.
Watt tried to reach Edwards on Wednesday, apparently to talk about an endorsement and other issues. But he said Edwards was in Los Angles to appear on a late night talk show.
During a stop at Bernhardt’s Hardware on Main Street, Watt fielded a few political questions from the store owner, Paul Bernhardt.
He asked Watt which candidate will put together the best staff.
Watt discounted experience as the critical element, saying the president needs to be able to put together very good and capable staff.
He said a president is much like a coach whose success depends on the team he puts together.
And Watt said either Obama or Clinton can put together a very good team.