The February 5th Super Tuesday Presidential Primaries could go a long way toward deciding the Democratic and Republican candidates for the White House. And, as the magic day approaches, each of the hopefuls is looking for an edge in each of the many states holding elections that day.

Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) will get the support of Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO)  as he attempts to win votes in this state. In a Sunday morning conference call in which he formally picked up the endorsement of McCaskill, Obama pointed out the concerns of the people he represents in neighboring Illinois are very similar to those on the west side of the Mississippi River.

Obama says he is looking forward to stumping in Missouri, which he calls "a critical state," in advance of Super Tuesday, and thinks he can do very well here. He adds he is looking forward to stumping with Senator McCaskill, whom he calls "a wonderful messenger for our agenda of change, of bringing people together, of telling the American people in straightforward and clear terms what we need to do to help improve our schools and help improve our economy and make sure that we are dealing with issues like energy independence in a bold and serious way."

For her part, McCaskill says she gave a lot of thought to the decision to endorse Obama. "This has not been an easy decision for me," said McCaskill, "Because of so many women across the country and in Missouri who are strong supporters of Hillary Clinton, and that did make it harder."

She adds, "Barack Obama is, I believe, the right candidate for the country at this time."

Download/Listen: Senators Obama/McCaskill conference call (18:00 MP3)