Texas is one of four states voting tonight. But all eyes are on the Lone Star State because Texas has the biggest prize -- the most delegates. The polls opened at 7:00 a.m. and will remain open until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday's primaries could be make or break for the Democrats. Barack Obama is in the lead with 1378 delegates, but Hillary Clinton is close behind with 1269 delegates. In order to win the nomination, the candidate needs 2025. Tuesday night, 370 Democratic delegates are at stake. Texas has the most to award with 193 delegates.
Voters Say They Want to Be A Part of Historic Vote
From News 4's David Cruz:
Many people waited in line to vote on the West Side. Generally things have gone well. However, there was a lot of confusion among voters who thought they could come back to where they've always voted and were unaware of some of the changes in their polling places.
One voter, 83-year-old Claudelle Bailey Benson knew Tuesday would be historic and like tens of thousands of other voters in San Antonio, she wanted to be part of it.
Claudelle Bailey Benson: "It's been all right." News 4's David Cruz: "How do you feel being a part of this historic day?" Claudelle: "Nice."
From one corner of the city to the other, election officials say voting was steady and at times packed. On the Northeast side of Bexar County including in Universal City, Kirby, and Converse, many people came early to avoid the crush.
One voter said, "The lines were moving pretty fast. But I'm glad I came early."
Another said, "It was a little confusing, but whoever's in charge, figured it out."
On the East Side, notices on the front door of the Claude Black Community Center directed voters to their precincts. Across town at the Las Palmas Library, there was an aire of celebration, with voters saying they voted the entire ballot and felt today was special.
"I guess people are finally getting it," said one voter. "We've been through a lot and know we finally realize we have to make a difference."
Bill Clinton Returns To S.A. To Campaigns For Hillary
From News 4's Leila Walsh: President Bill Clinton has said Texas is a must-win state and his wife's bid for the White House will is on the line. The former president was back in San Antonio Tuesday urging people to vote and caucus for Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton supporters will watch the results of the primary Tuesday night at the Norris Convention Center at Crossroads Mall. Earlier Tuesday, some of her supporters joined President Clinton at a polling place on the West Side. The lunch hour is typically one of the busiest times at the polls and Tuesday former President Clinton made a noon-time stop to talk to people voting at the Joe Ward Community Center on the near West Side. He said there's been a lot of enthusiasm and in the last few days, and he believes there has been a shift in the race. He said people are finally beginning to take a serious look at the election and the choices they have. Recent polls have showed the Clinton-Obama race is neck-and-neck. News 4 caught up with Bill Clinton and asked him whether he thinks Hillary can still win the nomination if she loses Texas. News 4's Leila Walsh: "You have said Texas is a must win. Do you still think she needs it to win the nomination? Former President Bill Clinton: "What I said is, and what I think is, she will go on and win a big victory in Pennsylvania, and I think she will be the nominee. That's what I believe. Thanks, guys." The Clinton campaign clearly doesn't want to think about a loss in Texas. Former President Clinton said the more people get to know Hillary Clinton, the more they come to trust her, and the more they come to realize she delivers.
Obama Hoping To Celebrate Win in S.A.
From News 4's Aubrey Mika Chancellor:
On the Obama campaign trail, it's all about confidence.
Senator Barack Obama is in San Antonio, hoping to celebrate a big win here.
News 4 caught up with some volunteers Tuesday at the local Obama Campaign Headquarters to find out how they feel about Tuesday's outcome.
Primary day is crunch time for the Barack Obama volunteers in San Antonio.
"It's pretty hectic," said volunteer Randy Sanchez.
Most people were out of the office at polling locations. For the volunteers indoors, it was all about the phones.
"We're calling as many people as we can to make sure they can get out to the polls," explained volunteer Rachel Bell.
For months the volunteers campaigned for their candidate. Now the race is in the home stretch. All they can do is wait for the polls to close and see if all their hard work has paid off in a Texas-sized victory for Senator Barack Obama.
"We're very excited and very prepared," Sanchez told News 4. "I think we're gonna see some good results."
The common theme and the reason they volunteers are working to get Senator Obama elected - diversity and electability.
"His ability to bring so many people who are really enthusiastic together, said Bell.
The issue of diversity is a big one in San Antonio. Voters News 4 talked to Tuesday say diversity is the main reason they voted for Senator Obama.
Senator Obama will be at the Municipal Auditorium Tuesday evening. He's expected to appear around 9:00 p.m. and hoping to win the biggest prize of the night.
McCain Can Clinch Nomination
If John McCain has a good night, he can clinch his party's nomination.
McCain stopped by Mi Tierra restaurant Tuesday morning to pump up supporters. He was joined on stage by his wife.
During the event, McCain urged people to get out and vote.
"I believe that with your help today, we can secure enough delegates to make sure that we can secure the nomination," McCain told the crowd. "But we have to win and we have to win big in the state of Texas."
McCain flew from San Antonio to Houston for a town hall meeting. He'll watch the results come in Tuesday night in Dallas.
Huckabee Not Giving Up
Mike Huckabee's deficit in delegates seems insurmountable, but he said he's not giving up.
Huckabee campaigned in Dallas Tuesday. He stopped by his campaign headquarters to talk to workers and supporters.
He then told reporters he still thinks he has a chance to win Texas.
We've been actively campaigning the last several days vigorously in Texas, and my opponent has been on vacation," Huckabee said. "I think Texans are going to pay attention to that. But most importantly, I think they're paying attention to issues."
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