The Barack Obama Truth Tour swung through Southern Pines Monday to do some last-minute campaigning for the Democratic presidential candidate.

The group of local and national elected officials included U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, of Mississippi; state Rep. Dan Blue, of Wake County; Anne Franklin, chairwoman of the Triangle Transit Authority; and Brad Thompson, former state director for U.S. Sen. John Edwards. The group stopped by The Pilot's offices as part of an 11-town tour on the eve of the primary elections.

"It's a hot, busy day in politics in North Carolina," Blue said.

The four said they feel good about the Illinois senator's chances of winning the North Carolina primary Tuesday and that the state will be in play come the November election.

"Unlike it's ever been before," Blue said.

They said that the growth of unaffiliated voters, who tend to like Obama, makes them think that he has a chance to beat the Republican nominee, Arizona Sen. John McCain, in this historically conservative state.

"We still believe North Carolina is a state where ideas will prevail," Brad Thompson said. "I think Democrats have a chance to win it here."

Obama's primary opponent, New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, is behind in delegates but is making the case that she is more electable than Obama, who has been struggling in the wake of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright scandal.

"He's been forthright addressing the Rev. Wright issue," Rep. Bennie Thompson said. "I don't see how he can get blamed for sermons preached by a minister, regardless of the relationship."

Contact Matthew Moriarty at 693-2479 or by e-mail at moriarty@thepilot.com.