Meghan Youker

OMAHA (KPTM) - You can add another Nebraska superdelegate to Senator Barack Obama's total.

State Democratic Party Chairman Steve Achelpohl says its Obama's time.  Achelpohl says he believes Obama will be a better candidate and president than Senator Hillary Clinton.

Achelpohl is Nebraska's 5th superdelegate to endorse Obama.  Only Audra Ostergard of Lincoln, the party's first associate chairwoman, remains uncommitted.  She's expected to announce her decision soon.

Ten weeks ago, Nebraska caucus goers made history.  They came out in huge crowds and went more than 2 to 1 for Obama.  Now, Achelpohl makes a tough decision.

"A great majority of Americans believe that we're headed in the wrong direction and this man stands for change. And he says a lot of things that make a lot of sense," Achelpohl said.

Achelpohl says he didn't want to rush his endorsement and looked at both candidates from a national, state and personal perspective.

Achelpohl's good friend, former Senator Bob Kerrey, did a TV commercial for Clinton.  Achelpohl himself says he feels a certain amount of loyalty to the Clinton family.

"I was nominated to be a federal judge by Bill Clinton.  That's something that was very important to me," Achelpohl said.

But in the end, Achelpohl says its Obama who inspires young people with a positive message.  He says that could make a big difference for local candidates.

"I'm confident that Obama will turn out more Democrats, which will help the down ballot races, just like I think Obama could really be competitive in at least two of our three congressional districts," he said.

Achelpohl also says the recent tone of the campaign convinced him it's time for the party to have a nominee.

"John McCain is out making policy speeches just about everyday and he's not having to fight another Republican at this stage of the game, so I think it's time that we decide this and move on to the convention unified," Achelpohl said.

Achelpohl is stepping down as state party chairman at the end of the year.  He says he did feel some pressure to support Obama because so many Nebraska voters did, but he says that was only a small part of his decision.