(Update: Steelworkers union endorses Obama on Thursday; the union earlier backed John Edwards, who endorsed Obama Wednesday.)

(CNSNews.com) - Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) received two endorsements on Wednesday -- one from a former rival for the Democratic presidential nomination; the other from a pro-abortion group.

NARAL Pro-Choice America said it was "proud" to back Obama for president because he has been "a strong advocate for a woman's right to choose throughout his career in public office."

NARAL President Nancy Keenan praised Obama for supporting and defending "a woman's right to make the most personal, private decisions regarding her reproductive health without interference from government or politicians." She called Obama a "leader" on the issue.

Keenan also praised Sen. Hillary Clinton as a "pro-choice leader" and an "outstanding candidate," but Keenan noted that only one of the two Democrats can go forward to the general election.

Edwards finally decides

The Republican National Committee suggested it's not surprising that former Sen. John Edwards (N.C.) has thrown his support to Obama, since the liberal Democrats are two of a kind.

"Barack Obama and John Edwards share an out-of-touch agenda that would raise taxes on families while cutting funding for our troops," RNC Chairman Robert "Mike" Duncan said in a news release after Edwards endorsed Obama's presidential bid on Wednesday.

The endorsement came just as the network news shows went on the air, an apparent attempt to divert attention from Sen. Hillary Clinton's whopping win in Tuesdday's West Virginia primary.

"The only question is why didn't Edwards endorse sooner?" Duncan asked. "Edwards' endorsement of a candidate he previously blasted as inexperienced, hypocritical, and lacking substance will not help Obama with voters looking for real change."

The RNC noted that both Edwards and Obama back higher taxes and government-mandated health care. They also have a "history of reversal" on Iraq -- both calling for an immediate troop withdrawal, then backing away from the "immediate" part, acknowledging that America has a responsibility to stabilize the country.

Edwards, before he dropped out of the Democratic race, attacked Obama's record and experience.

Among other things, the RNC noted that Edwards criticized Obama for voting "present" more than 100 times when Obama served in the Illinois State Legislature. Last year, Edwards noted that Obama is "relatively new to national politics." And early in the 2008 presidential campaign, Edwards criticized Obama's lack of substance and "highfalutin' language" on health care.

On Wednesday in Grand Rapids, Mich., Edwards' previous criticism of Obama was forgotten.

"Brothers and sisters, we must come together as Democrats" to defeat McCain, Edwards told a cheering crowd. "We are here tonight because the Democratic voters have made their choice, and so have I."

Edwards said Obama "stands with me" in the fight to cut poverty in half within 10 years. Later, Obama promised to "lift up every American out of poverty."

Edwards also praised Clinton, whom he described as a "woman who is made of steel." He said the Democratic Party is "stronge" because of her candidacy. "We're going to have a stronger nominee in the fall because of her work."

Obama told reporters on his campaign plane Wednesday night that Edwards can help him attract working-class voters, who tend to favor Hillary Clinton.

"I have no doubt that John Edwards can be extremely helpful to us campaigning in every demographic. But his passion and credibility when it comes to issues of poverty and the plight of working people in this country, I think, is a message that is powerful and one that fits with the kind of vision I have for America."

Edwards' wife Elizabeth has praised Sen. Clinton's health care plan, prompting speculation that she may back Clinton's candidacy. Elizabeth Edwards did not travel to Grand Rapids on Wednesday, and she has not publicly endorsed either candidate.