Obama, Clinton in crucial showdown

WASHINGTON: Hillary Rodham Clinton struggled to salvage her faltering campaign going into crucial nomination showdowns today as front-runner Barack Obama set his sights on ending his rival's bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Four states vote, but the focus is on races in the big states of Texas and Ohio where the former first lady made a concerted bid yesterday for votes. She desperately needs wins in both to salvage her once-powerful bid to become the US' first female president and halt Obama's momentum following his streak of 11 consecutive wins since the Feb 5 "Super Tuesday" races.

Recent polls show Clinton retains a lead - albeit a narrowing one - in Ohio.