By Susan Redden

sredden@joplinglobe.com

While their support still is divided between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, some local Democrats agree that the presidential primary campaign is winding down in favor of the senator from Illinois.

Obama on Monday was reported to be working to win over enough superdelegates to clinch the Democratic nomination with today’s primaries. If successful, he plans to formally kick off his general-election campaign against Republican John McCain in a speech after the polls close in Montana and South Dakota, the two final primary states.

Clinton also seemed to forecast an end to her campaign with an announcement that she would hold her primary-night rally in New York City rather than on the campaign trail.

Though she is a Clinton supporter, Susan DeCarlo, of Joplin, said she is ready to support Obama if he is the nominee.

“It looks like that is what’s going to happen, and what will be, will be,” said DeCarlo, who is chairwoman of the Jasper County Democratic Central Committee. “I will staunchly support whoever our candidate is.”

DeCarlo said she is mystified by supporters of Clinton — or Obama — who say they’ll vote Republican if their candidate does not get the nomination.

“It’s important that we all stick together, because the alternative is John McCain,” she said.

Doug Brooks, a superdelegate from Joplin, said Monday that the party would unite behind either candidate.

He also said the fact that the race for the nomination ran into June could be a blessing, as it has led to additional registrations, brought out more voters and beefed up the core of activists for both candidates.

“I have been at odds with those who thought this an unhealthy process,” said Brooks, who early on announced his support for Clinton.

“All you have to do is look at the voter rates,” he said. “There are many people who are involved in this who would not have been involved in the past.”

Two local Obama supporters, Paxton Williams and Steve Daniels, also said they do not believe the prolonged campaign has hurt the party.

“I do think it will be over tomorrow, and that he (Obama) will have enough superdelegates to put him over the top,” Daniels said Monday.