The Dallas Morning News Gromer Jeffers Jr. Column: Quick Take: South Carolina Still a Tossup for Dem

Jan 20, 02:12 AM

Jan. 20--COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The Democratic race for president now heads south for a contest that could crown a presumptive nominee or become another lap in a horse race that's too close to call.

For New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, a win Saturday in South Carolina would make her the clear front-runner and prove she's potentially dominant in any region.

And because she has won in New Hampshire and now Nevada, Mrs. Clinton would probably regain that "inevitability tag" on her bid.

But for Mrs. Clinton, victory in the Palmetto State will be tough.

Blacks make up about half of the Democratic vote, and polls show those voters lining up with Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

Mrs. Clinton still has strong support among older black women.

But the Obama run is fast becoming a crusade by supporters wanting to elect the nation's first black president.

A win would be his first since his stunning performance in the Iowa caucuses.

Stopping Mrs. Clinton here would signal he has the chops to make a strong stand on Feb. 5, when more than half the delegates are at stake.

It's unknown whether the fading John Edwards could have an impact in the state where he was born.

But the following is clear: If Mrs. Clinton wins, she becomes nearly unstoppable.

If Mr. Obama wins, the race goes on with more dramatic results on tap.

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