U.S. Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton face each other Tuesday in the last final two statewide primaries to determine the Democratic Party's presidential candidate for the November general election.
On Monday, Obama expressed confidence he would have the nomination in hand by the end of the day Wednesday. And the Clinton campaign gave signs that it may be in its last days.
Former President Bill Clinton told a crowd of supporters in South Dakota that Monday might be the last day he would be involved in a campaign like this one. He said it has been an honor to campaign for his wife.
Some Clinton field staffers were told Monday their services would no longer be needed.
At a campaign stop in Michigan, Obama praised Clinton. He said she has run an outstanding race. He also said he looks forward to meeting Clinton at a time and place of her choosing, and he promised to do all he can to unify the party before the general election.
Obama needs about 45 more delegates at the party's convention to reach the number needed to claim the nomination. Thirty-one are at stake in Tuesday's primaries in Montana and South Dakota.
Analysts expect the undecided superdelegates to declare their choice this week, bringing the primary election process to an end. Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
