NORTH CAROLINA -- Those wishing to stay on top of all the political news they can get their hands on likely had a tough week keeping up throughout the state, as both Democratic presidential candidates, and two family members, hit the speaking circuit.

The N.C. primary isn't until May 6, 2008, but the candidates are waging a battle for those undecided votes still lingering between campaigns. If you're still trying to catch up on all that was said, News 14 Carolina has the speeches, one-on-one interviews and in-depth articles to help you out. Take a look:

Former President Bill Clinton's visit

Former President Bill Clinton made a campaign swing through North Carolina on Friday, making stops in seven cities to drum up support for wife Hillary Clinton in advance of the state's May 6 presidential primary.

Clinton touched on several familiar campaign themes as he addressed an enthusiastic crowd of about 300 people at the Bryan Family YMCA in Greensboro, his first stop on a seven-city swing which included High Point, Salisbury, Kannapolis, Gastonia, Hickory and Asheville.

The nation's former chief executive touched on several key campaign issues. Take a look at some of the things he had to say:

• "Hillary's the only person running who says we ought to have a moratorium on these foreclosures. She believes we ought to give the states some money to go in and negotiate with these mortgage companies to keep people who have not missed a payment in their homes."

•"Under her plan you can buy into the same plan that insures federal employees and their families, members of Congress and their families. If it's good enough for our family, it's good enough for your family."

•"We need to make sure we have other alternatives and to say if you go in to public service -- if you become a teacher, a police officer, a nurse, a fireman -- your service will pay your college loan off.”

Sen. Barack Obama's visit

The former president wasn’t the only one to make a mark on the Tar Heel State so far this week. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama spoke in the Triad. Take a look at some of the things he had to say:

•”I think North Carolina is very important … I think coming from [Pennsylvania] to North Carolina and Indiana, it’s much more even turf.”

•“I will confess, [John Edwards] took it,” said Obama in reference to a basketball game the two played together recently. “He had his home floor, and he’s got an interesting game. He doesn’t have much range, but from 14-16 feet, he does not miss. So when I took it outside behind the 3-point line, he couldn’t go out there. But he hit like eight in a row from 14-16 feet, that mid-range jumper was tough.”

•“[John Edwards] and I share, I think, a real desire to shake up Washington. We both believe that lobbyists and special interests were a problem, we both care very deeply about poverty and how to give working families more of an economic shot at life.”

Friday, Obama launched his first television ad in the state. The Democrat senator’s 30-second ad called "Enough" focuses on the fight for the middle class and keeping jobs in the state.

The ad has run in other states, including Tennessee, and will air statewide in N.C. His campaign says this is one of many ads that will air in the state.

Hillary Clinton's campaign says they will run ads in the state but they believe the campaign will be won on the ground. So far, she is not running ads in N.C.

Obama also opened 13 offices across North Carolina including sites in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Elizabeth City, Wilmington, Rocky Mount, Asheville, and Hickory.

Obama's ad on Youtube.com

Sen. Hillary Clinton's visit

As for Sen. Clinton, she has made herself comfortable in N.C. this month as well. Take a look at some of the things she had to say.

•”I never make predictions, but I would hope to do as well as I can [in North Carolina.] I know I have somewhat of an uphill climb because Senator Obama has a great base of support.”

•”I hope we will [debate in North Carolina.] They’re trying to work out details now, and I would look forward to that.”

•”The most important criterion is the qualities and qualifications in the person, but I don’t think there’s any doubt that having … a woman president would send an incredibly positive signal here, at home to our sons and our daughters that in American truly you can be whatever you want to be if you’re willing to work hard and take responsibility. It would send a great message around the world. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to empower women because I know that where women have their rights and women’s voices are listened to we’re less likely to have extremism and oppression and problems with those counties. So, electing a woman president, breaking that highest and hardest glass ceiling, would be a great moment for America.”

Clinton’s daughter Chelsea will be speaking Saturday at 3:45 p.m. at the Young Democrats of North Carolina convention. The event takes place at Research Triangle Park.

The Republican frontrunner: John McCain

As for John McCain, the frontrunner Republican presidential nominee, he has released his first campaign ad for the general election.

Called “624787” -- his serial number from the military -- McCain is seen giving the number from his hospital bed as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. The ad is airing only in New Mexico currently, but aides say they expect to expand it to other states soon.

McCain's ad on Youtube.com