Black Democrats Divided

Many black leaders haven't publicly committed to either of the two leading candidates, but when they do make a choice, age and experience tend to be a primary factor.

Among those supporting Sen. Hillary Clinton: U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown and former state Sen. Betty Holzendorf. Barack Obama's supporters include state Sen. Tony Hill, state Rep. Audrey Gibson and Duval County School Board member Brenda Priestly Jackson.

Holzendorf, whose political career began in 1975, said she doesn't dislike Obama. But she supported Clinton early in her bid to become president, based on their relationship.

She said Clinton's advocacy on behalf of children and women, including her push for better health care, have earned her endorsement.

"She's been there for us when we've needed somebody to be there for us in the struggle, so it's a commitment," Holzendorf said.

She said that even in her own family there is a fault line between age groups, with the younger people leaning toward the first-term senator from Illinois.

"They like what Obama is saying and they like the people who are supporting him," she said, pointing out that many young black artists and celebrities are campaigning for him. "Wherein the old civil rights people that we grew up with, the ones of us who are older that were in the struggle, we're familiar with them [the Clintons], so we're more attuned to that side."

Priestly Jackson said she chooses to support Obama because she believes in his ideals of unity and hope.

"Those of us who are younger and may have a different progressive vision can identify with Barack Obama's message a lot more," she said.

But some of the veteran politicians echo sentiments that Obama isn't prepared for the job.

"He's a wonderful young man," Brown said, but not ready to become the commander-in-chief.

She is one of the most vocal Clinton supporters in the local black community. "I'm going to opt for experienced change and I'm going to opt for what I know," she said.

Brown said she worked with the Clintons during Bill Clinton's time in the White House, and Hillary Clinton has campaigned for her numerous times.

Gibson said she decided to support Obama well before the primary season began, mainly because of his experience as an Illinois state senator.

"Him coming from the legislature and community-building background, he understands what states go through," said Gibson, who was elected in 2002. "To me, that gives you a different perspective when you go national."

She said she doesn't agree with those who say Obama, 46, isn't ready.

"Why do you have to be told you have to wait your turn or you haven't done enough?" she said.

Gibson believes that elder politicians who were in office during President Clinton's administration are honoring those ties by supporting his wife.

"People genuinely liked Bill Clinton. ... They liked him and his ease with people publicly, and I think they feel a particular obligation to support Hillary because of him," she said.