May 1, 2008 Former Clinton supporter backs Obama Play video

(NECN: Brad Puffer) - Just as Hillary Clinton seemed to be gaining a little ground on Barack Obama, a former ally has now become an adversary. A superdelegate from Indiana has suddenly changed sides, just days before that state's primary.

Former Democratic party chairman Joe Andrew told reporters in Indianapolis Thursday that the race needs to end, so that Democrats can "heal the rift." He says he'll call other superdelegates to urge them to back Obama because as he sees it, "a vote for Hillary Clinton is a vote to continue" the process and will help the Republican candidate.

Bill Clinton appointed Andrew chairman of the DNC in 1999, and he led the party through the disputed 2000 presidential race before stepping down in 2001.

Andrew endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton last year on the day she declared her candidacy for the White House.

*Material from the Associated Press is included in this report*