Rep. Michael Michaud and at least 15 other Democrats held a conference call last Friday with Senator Barack Obama to discuss trade and globalization issues.

"It actually was a very worthwhile process and I'm very pleased that both presidential candidates took time out their very grueling schedules to sit down with 15 to 20 members to answer our questions," Michaud said in a phone interview.

Most of the Democrats on the phone call have not endorsed either Obama or Senator Hillary Clinton. Michaud and others had an hour long meeting with Clinton earlier this month to discuss the issues ranging from China's undervalued currency, trade agreements, and patent reform legislation.

Michaud said both candidates entertained "very pointed" questions and both did a 'very good job" answering them. Both candidates could not answer some of the questions and promised to follow up.

Michaud had endorsed Sen. John Edwards, but he has remained uncommitted since Edwards dropped out of the race. He has no deadline to make up his mind.

Democratic Party leaders want the contested primary to end sooner rather than later, fearing that a protracted race will hurt the nominee in the fall.

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