"BARACK Obama has edged closer to history and is now the clear favourite to secure the Democratic Party's nod to contest the November election as the first African-American US presidential nominee.

Senator Obama yesterday strengthened his mathematical lock on his party's White House nomination, but Hillary Clinton made clear her intention to stay in the race.

Senator Obama scored a commanding victory in the North Carolina primary but split yesterday's electoral spoils with the former first lady after she won Indiana.

Senator Clinton held on for a dramatic razor-thin victory in the rust-belt state after the counting of votes was stalled in Lake County, which borders Senator Obama's home state of Illinois.

Speaking in Raleigh, North Carolina, Senator Obama rallied Democrats and vowed the party would not be divided at the November general election by their protracted and bruising nominating battle.

His campaign is now expected to urge uncommitted party leaders to back his candidacy. "

AUstralia's Herald Sun

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