Analysis: Momentum Shifts to Clinton

[Herman Munster]

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gIQWLfRk3R3bFbpnCxn0hA2lioVgD8U9RV280

FLORISSANT, Mo. (AP) — Momentum moving her way, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton must change focus to the tough battle in South Carolina where rival Barack Obama hopes to rejuvenate his candidacy.

Black voters in the state are shifting to Obama, polls have found, despite a longtime loyalty to both Hillary and Bill Clinton, once nicknamed the first black president.

In capturing Nevada's caucuses, she beat Obama among women and showed significant strength among Hispanics, an important and growing segment. Obama won decisively among blacks, who could account for more than 50 percent of the voters in South Carolina's primary this coming Saturday.

Heading into South Carolina, Clinton wants to be in position to gain a major advantage in the more than 20 state contests set for Feb. 5. After Nevada, she touched down in Missouri, one of the most competitive states.

"Now we're back here in the Midwest, where I'm from. I'm so happy to see all of you," Clinton, a Chicago native, said to cheers at a campaign rally in this St. Louis suburb.

Clinton's immediate goal, however, is to hold her own in South Carolina.