March 30, 2008

Clinton rejects numerous calls to leave, Obama says she can stay

Hillary Clinton is under fire from all sides this week as she is refusing to leave the Democratic presdiential race even though she has no chance to catch Barack Obama in the delegate count, an thus win the nomination.

Saturday she rejected calls by supporters of Obama to quit the race, while Obama graciously said Clinton could remain in race "as long as she wants."

"The more people get a chance to vote, the better it is for our democracy," the New York senator and former first lady told supporters at a rally in Indiana, which holds a May 6 primary.

"I didn't think we believed that in America. I thought we of all people knew how important it was to give everyone a chance to have their voices heard and their votes counted."

"My attitude is that Sen. Clinton can run as long as she wants," Patrick Leahy said.

"She is a fierce and formidable competitor, and she obviously believes that she would make the best nominee and the best president. I think that she should be able to compete, and her supporters should be able to support her for as long as they are willing or able."

Clinton has won primaries in the biggest states so far, but Obama has won more total contests and leads her in the race for delegates to the party's August convention in Denver - where the Democratic nominee will be formally ratified.