Obama Keeps Rolling in Maine

Obama and Clinton face off in what could be decisive contests

(NEWSER) - Voters in North Carolina and Indiana go to the polls today in what many are seeing as the last major battle in the Democratic race. The Washington Post outlines the stakes.

1. Has Obama put the Wright controversy behind him? Pretty much, say both sides; it's a media story now.
2. How's the gas tax holiday playing? Economists hate it, but it was a smart strategic move for Clinton.
3. Is the race going to the convention? At least until June 3, if Hillary wins one of today's contests.

Tally varies as superdelegates hedge their bets

(NEWSER) - Media can't settle on a superdelegate count these days because many of the mucky-mucks refuse to name a candidate, Politico reports. Current figures all have Clinton leading Obama—and she needs the votes badly—but media estimates vary from 256-225 to 221-209. “This is an art rather than a science," the New York Times’ political editor said. More»

Pro-Obama unions attack Hillary for not dumping strategist

(NEWSER) - The demotion of Mark Penn in Hillary Clinton's campaign hasn't ended the problem the errant consultant is causing her in Pennsylvania, Bloomberg reports. Unions supporting Barack Obama have pounced on the strategist's advocacy of a Colombian free-trade deal, calling him pro-business and anti-worker. "She has to sever completely with Mark Penn," said Teamsters president James Hoffa. "Her credibility is at stake." More»

Candidate picks up one of Democratic Party's most coveted nods

(NEWSER) - Bill Richardson will back Barack Obama for president today, giving the Illinois senator one of the Democratic party's most coveted endorsements. The New Mexico governor and former presidential candidate called Obama a "once-in-a-lifetime leader that can bring our nation together and restore America's moral leadership in the world" in a statement obtained by the AP. More»

Clinton adviser says voters like hopeful because he's black

(NEWSER) - Hillary Clinton is ignoring calls to fire adviser Geraldine Ferraro after she said Barack Obama is succeeding because of his race, MSNBC reports. "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position," the former vice presidential nominee said. “He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept." More»