WASHINGTON – The United Steelworkers of America endorsed Barack Obama on Thursday, a helpful move for the Illinois Democrat whose problems drawing blue-collar support have been shown in primary after primary.

The Pittsburgh-based union had initially endorsed John Edwards, but Edwards quickly withdrew from the primaries after finding himself unable to compete with Obama and Hillary Clinton. Edwards endorsed Obama on Wednesday.

Also on Thursday, Larry Cohen, president of the Communications Workers of America, announced his support for Obama. Cohen is a super delegate and a member of the Democratic National Committee. His union remains neutral in the race between Obama and Clinton, though the 2,000 delegates at the union’s June convention will consider an endorsement.

In a statement, Cohen said that Obama “is building a broad base of support, inspiring new voters to join in the political process and demonstrating great appeal to all those who are looking for positive leadership to move us beyond politics-as-usual in Washington.”

Cohen also praised Clinton as “an excellent candidate and a staunch friend and advocate for American working men and women.”