HILLARY Clinton needs a big win in today’s Pennsylvania primary to keep alive her improbable US presidential campaign.
The New York senator was tipped for victory in late opinion polls, but many observers think it will take a double-digit triumph to stave off more calls for her to quit the epic Democratic nomination race.
Senator Clinton, however, said that a simple victory would be enough. "I think a win under any circumstances is a terrific accomplishment," she said after greeting supporters at a polling station who chanted "Madam President".
Polls have closed in the state and US media have reported a tight battle in the early count.
While the battle has stretched on for well over 12 months, many are starting to wish it could be settled in 12 rounds. Wrestling body WWE has imagined what it would be like if the candidates just settled their differences in the ring.
See the animation here:
Senator Obama downplayed the likelihood that he could win in Pennsylvania, a victory that would likely knock Senator Clinton out of the race, but pointed out that he had whittled down her lead in most polls from 20 points to single figures.
"I have come to the conclusion that this race will continue until the last primary or caucus vote is cast. And that’s not that far away," he said. "Should I end up being the nominee, the work that we’ve done here in Pennsylvania I think will be extraordinarily helpful in the general election," he said.
Senator Clinton needs a fresh burst of momentum ahead of the next round of contests in Indiana and North Carolina on May 7 (Australian time), which are followed quickly by the last six voting showdowns of the nominating marathon into early June.
There are 158 pledged delegates up for grabs today, the most of any of the remaining contests.

news.com.au