Washington: Democratic Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has brushed aside suggestions that she is doubtful of winning the White House bid following the 11 straight losses to the front-runner Barack Obama, saying she is looking forward to the crucial contests of Ohio and Texas.

At the end of a debate with Obama on Thursday, New York Senator Clinton had said "Whatever happens, we ll both be fine." This was seen by many as the former first Lady having doubts about her own campaign and in its ability to bag the big ticket states of Ohio and Texas scheduled for their political showdown on March 4.

However, she downplayed her remarks and made it known that she is indeed serious about Ohio and Texas. "I intend to win, obviously. I'm working very hard. And Ohio and Texas are critical states," she said in a media interview.

The Hillary campaign knows well that she must get Ohio and Texas to stay meaningful in the Democratic race and even former President Bill Clinton had said recently that if his wife does not bag these two states, she is toast.

Senator Clinton did not respond to the remarks of her husband maintaining that she is not in the prediction business but polls have shown that while she maintains a small lead in Ohio, Senator Obama has either caught up in Texas or is leading in the Lone Star state.

Political analysts have also pointed to the rather cumbersome allocation of delegates in Texas where the Democratic Party has both the primary and caucus and where it allows independents and Republicans to vote. This is to the disadvantage of Senator Clinton.

The argument is being made that Senator Obama runs very strong among the Independent voters and Republicans may enter the fray in the Democratic primaries just to vote against Senator Clinton.
Source : PTI