In D.C. Area, a Superdelegate Tug of War

Clinton is trying to keep superdelegates such as McClellan from breaking ranks; the former first lady even called her last month to congratulate her on her recent engagement. But when McClellan went to Crate & Barrel a few days later to set up a wedding registry, she was stopped in the aisle by a man who asked her to support Obama.

McClellan also fielded a call from Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, one of four Virginia superdelegates who have lined up behind Obama.

In the District, Thomas (Ward 5) switched from Clinton to Obama after he was inundated with e-mails and phone calls from constituents who said he should cast his vote in Denver for the candidate who won the D.C. primary.

"I knew it was a hot topic, but I didn't know how hot it would be," he said, adding that the attention interfered with his business as a council member. "I have murders in my ward. . . . I wanted to get all of the speculation out of it."

Mame Reiley, a Virginia superdelegate who supports Clinton, said Obama supporters should not be too aggressive in trying to woo superdelegates.

"Obama is going to need every single one of these Hillary people if he is to have a chance to win the general election, and vice versa," said Reiley, former chairman of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Gregory Pecoraro, an uncommitted superdelegate from Maryland, said he has been receiving an average of three or four letters a day from people across the country trying to influence his decision. "Both campaigns check in with me every few days or so," he said.

The Westminster City Council member was invited recently to a meeting at a Capitol Hill hotel at which Clinton met with about 15 superdelegates. "Senator Clinton spent a few minutes chatting with just us," Pecoraro said. "It was very much of a soft sell."

Other superdelegates said they have made up their minds but are waiting for the moment to announce whom they plan to support.

"I'm not undecided, but I'm undeclared," said Maryland Democratic Party Chairman Michael Cryor, who has spoken to Obama and to Clinton staff members.

Many of the region's uncommitted superdelegates said they are in no rush to make up their minds.

Cranwell, Virginia's party chairman, said he is trying to avoid the pressure until the primaries end next month, but Obama called him recently and gave him his cellphone number.

"I told him, if I thought I was going to break the other way, I will call him and give him one last opportunity to change my mind," Cranwell said.