In addition, City Council President Anna C. Verna, who did not attend the news conference, has informed Obama that he has her vote as leader of the 36th Ward in South Philadelphia.

"This decision is in her capacity as a political leader, not a councilwoman," Verna spokesman Anthony Radwanski said. He said she was confining her endorsement to her ward position so as not to speak for the leaders of other wards in the Second Council District that Verna represents.

Some of those wards back Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton; others are behind Obama.

Verna did not take a formal vote in her ward, Radwanski said, "but she knows her committee people well enough to know who they are supporting."

The intent of yesterday's endorsements was to boost the show of local support for Obama, given that heading into Pennsylvania's April 22 primary Clinton has the backing of two high-profile officials: Gov. Rendell and Mayor Nutter.

Council members announcing their support of Obama yesterday were Curtis Jones, Bill Green, Jannie L. Blackwell, Donna Reed Miller, James F. Kenney and W. Wilson Goode Jr.

With them were State Sens. Shirley Kitchen and Vincent Hughes, and State Reps. Jewell Williams, Harold James and Tony Payton Jr.

"In Pennsylvania, we realize that top party officials are not with us as it relates to Sen. Obama's candidacy," Jones said, "but there are three words that were born in Philadelphia and still resonate across the commonwealth today, and they are We the people."