(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-03-04 20:25

HOUSTON -- Barack Obama approached Tuesday's voting in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont as a chance to drive rival Hillary Rodham Clinton out of the Democratic presidential contest for good. Clinton looked at the same contests as a way to end Obama's streak of 11 straight victories and keep her candidacy alive.

US Democratic presidential candidate Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and actress Eva Longoria Parker (R) applaud at the conclusion of a town hall meeting in Austin, Texas March 3, 2008. [Agencies]

Spending the night in the same Texas city, both expressed confidence in their chances. But both teams acknowledged that split decisions and close votes could prolong the battle for at least another month -- or more.

"We know this has been an extraordinary election. It continues to be. We're working hard to do as well as we can," said Obama, who planned to await Texas returns in San Antonio.

"I'm just getting warmed up," Clinton told reporters, a clear sign that she expects to press the campaign on beyond Tuesday no matter the outcome.

She was opening Election Day in Houston, but then heading back to Ohio for more campaign events. She will await results in Columbus before returning to Washington.

Polls show tight races in both Texas and Ohio. The Obama campaign saw Texas as their best opportunity, while the Clinton campaign saw Ohio as theirs. Texas offers 228 delegates, Ohio 164.

"Your voice can win an election," Obama told a noisy late-night rally in Houston. Repeating a signature election refrain, he shouted: "I have only one question for you: Are you fired up? Ready to go?" When the crowd roared its approval, he added: "Let's go change the world."

His wife, Michelle, had a more subdued message for the cheering supporters: "We have a lot of work to do."

Obama spent Monday campaigning in Texas, emphasizing his readiness to take over as commander in chief.

But he was dogged by allegations that he had overstated his opposition to the North American Free Trade Agreement to win votes in Ohio; and his ties to Chicago businessman Antoin "Tony" Rezko on the day that jury selection began in the political corruption trial of the real estate developer and fast-food magnate.

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