WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Saying he wants "direct access to people," former Sen. John Edwards, D-North Carolina, told CNN Friday he has no plans right now to ask for U.S. Secret Service protection.

"I personally would rather, as long as possible, have the freedom to be able to be with people, to not have barriers between me and them," Edwards said.

Edwards' comments come one day after it was learned that Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, another Democratic presidential candidate, had decided to be placed under Secret Service protection. The decision for the protection was the result of the "cumulative effect" of a heavier campaign schedule, larger crowds and "just the growing perception internally" it was time to take additional security precautions, according to an Obama campaign official.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, as a former first lady, also travels with Secret Service protection.