Obama, Clinton near finish line

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton approach the end of a gruelling campaign for the Democratic presidential nominationas votersin Montana and South Dakotahead to the polls on Tuesdayin the party'sfinal two primaries.

Obamanowneeds less than 50 delegates to reach the 2,118 delegates needed to secure the nomination andrun against presumptive Republican nominee John McCain in the November presidential election.

The Illinois senatoralso holds a lead insuperdelegates agroup of about 800 party leaders and officials who will vote at the Democrat's national convention in August.

Clinton's campaign was delivered amassive blow over the weekend when the Democratic National Committee decided it would not recognize allthe ballots cast in Florida and Michigan.Both stateswere previously disqualified for holding their primary votes too early.

Despite trailing indelegates and facingincreased pressureto end her campaign for the sake of party unity, Clintonhasvowed to stay in the race until all votes are cast.

The Associated Press reported theNew York senatorhas invited donors and campaign staff to an end-of-primary rally in New York on Tuesday night, fuelling speculation the event would be a farewell address.

Clinton campaign spokesmanMo Elleitheesaidthe New York senator had no plans to withdraw from the race on Tuesday.

Butduring a campaign stopin South Dakotaon Monday, her husband and most outspoken supporter, former U.S. president Bill Clinton, gave the strongest indication the candidatemay endherhistoric run for the presidency.

"I want to say also that this may be the last day I'm ever involved in a campaign of this kind," Clinton said.

Obama proposes meeting with rival 'once the dust settles'

Speaking Monday, Obama offered high praise for his rival, callingClinton "an outstanding public servant" and vowing the two would be "working together" in November to secure a Democratic victory.

Obama said he called Clinton on Sundayto congratulate her on winning the Puerto Rico primary and askedher for a meeting on her terms "once the dust settles" from their race.

"The sooner we can bring the party together, the sooner we can start focusing on John McCain in November," Obama told reporters.

He also said he would begin thinking about a vice-presidential running mate "the day after I have gotten that last delegate needed to officially claim the nomination."

CNN reported Monday that most of the 17 uncommitted Democratic senators were to endorse Obama this week.