Obama to Speak in Raleigh; Traffic May Be Tough Around Fairgrounds

RALEIGH, N.C. — Barack Obama will speak to a full house Thursday at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, and the speech was expected to combine with a business exposition there to create traffic challenges.

The Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce urged drivers not destined for the town meeting to avoid the area near the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

More than 2,000 people are expected for Obama. Another 5,000 are attending a business event on the grounds.

Tickets for the Obama event at the Kerr Scott Building were snapped up in short order Wednesday.

Obama is scheduled to speak in both Raleigh and Greenville Thursday.

The Raleigh speech will be carried live on WRAL.com. It is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Obama also gained two key North Carolina supporters Wednesday when U.S. Reps. David Price and Mel Watt endorsed him for the Democratic nomination for president Wednesday afternoon. U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield, former Democratic party leaders Everett Ward and Dannie Montgomery and lobbyist Joyce Brayboy have previously declared their support for Obama.

His competitor, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, has been endorsed by just one superdelegate from the Tar Heel state. Fourteen remain uncommitted.

After his meeting in Raleigh, Obama heads to Greenville for a public event at East Carolina University’s Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. Doors there open at 4 p.m. and no tickets are required. Admission is based on a first-come, first-serve basis.