Top Democrats Say Race Ends Next Week

Democratic leaders say the primary fight will be over next week, making it all but certain that Barack Obama will be the nominee. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and party chief Howard Dean say they will press uncommitted superdelegates to make up their minds by midweek, after Tuesday's final primaries, the New York Times reports. “By this time next week, it will all be over, give or take a day," said Reid.

Obama, meanwhile, said he expects the race to end next week, after Saturday’s DNC meeting puts “the Michigan, Florida issue behind us,” Time notes. Asked, "Does the general election begin after Tuesday," the frontrunner said, “Yes.” And would he be the winner at that point? “I believe so.” (More Barack Obama stories.)