WHAT IT IS

SENATORS Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are headed for what might be their final clash in Ohio and Texas, which hold contests tomorrow to elect a Democratic presidential nominee.

Vermont and Rhode Island, which are much smaller states, also hold their primaries on the same day. Up for grabs are 370 votes at the Democratic national convention, which will go on to elect the party's nominee in August.

WHY IT MATTERS

SENATOR Obama has enjoyed an unbroken streak of victories across 11 states since Super Tuesday, making him the front runner in the race.

Mrs Clinton, who had at one time seemed the party's 'inevitable' nominee, has faced reverses that have put the viability of her campaign in a precarious position.

Her husband and former president Bill Clinton has said that she must win Ohio and Texas, or her bid to become America's first woman president is unlikely to survive.

For Mr Obama, running to become America's first black president, a loss in even one of the four states would indicate that the Democrats have developed a case of 'buyer's remorse', a senior Clinton strategist has said.

Opinion polls show a dead heat in Texas (193 delegates). In Ohio (141 delegates), Mrs Clinton has a better chance, but polls show her lead fast evaporating.

Eventually, the turnout may determine who wins.

BHAGYASHREE GAREKAR