SPRINGFIELD | With Super Tuesday around the corner, this week's narrowing of the presidential field left many voters and supporters scrambling.

A top backer of Democrat John Edwards said he'd likely switch his allegiance to Barack Obama.

"Barack Obama has always been a friend of mine. If John were not in the campaign, Barack would clearly be my choice," said attorney David Dorris, who has hosted a number of Edwards fundraising events at his LeRoy home.

"I think John's the best candidate for the country. He's the right person with the right message. Unfortunately, he's a little short on money and celebrity status," Dorris said.

Dorothy Deany, of Bloomington, who also is running as an Edwards delegate, said she does not yet know whom she will support with Edwards out of the race.

"I'm very torn," Deany said. "It's nice to have so many qualified people who seem very good for the country."

State Rep. Roger Eddy, R-Hutsonville, who is running as a delegate for Rudy Giuliani in the 15th Congressional District, said he would likely support John McCain now that Giuliani's exit is official.

"I can tell you that in the spring, when I considered candidates, John McCain was certainly very close to Giuliani in my mind at the time," Eddy said.

-- Kenneth Lowe can be reached at Kenneth.lowe@lee.net or (217) 789-0865. Kurt Erickson can be reached at kurt.erickson@lee.net.