Day of reckoning for Clinton, Obama

(Yahoo News) - Barack Obama sought a knockout against rival Hillary Rodham Clinton as voting began Tuesday in crucial contests in Texas and Ohio, where the former first lady desperately needs a win to salvage her once-powerful candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Both expressed confidence in their chances the previous night, which they spent in the same Texas city. But both teams also acknowledged that split decisions and close votes could prolong the battle for at least another month — or more.

"We know this has been an extraordinary election. It continues to be. We're working hard to do as well as we can," said Obama, who planned to await Texas returns in San Antonio.