Recent public opinion surveys show Senator Barack Obama ahead of Senator Hillary Clinton. Former Senator John Edwards, who was born in South Carolina, trails in third place.

Obama, an African-American, has a strong lead among black voters in the state, but falls behind both of his major opponents among white voters. Black voters make up about half of the eligible Democratic primary voters in South Carolina.

Analysts say Obama needs a win Saturday to regain momentum after two consecutive losses in New Hampshire and Nevada.

Clinton and Obama have clashed repeatedly during the week with harsh advertisements and angry accusations.

Senator Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, has been an especially strong force in the state by aggressively attacking Obama's record. The former president also has repeatedly scolded the media for what he said was unfair coverage of the race.

Republican presidential candidates are preparing to face off in Florida Tuesday.

Voter surveys show Senator John McCain and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney leading the race in the country's fourth most-populous state. McCain and Romney, along with former New York Mayor Rudy Guliani and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, are campaigning in Florida.

Even as the candidates focus on South Carolina and Florida, they also are looking ahead to February 5, called Super Tuesday, when 22 of the 50 U.S. states hold primary elections or party caucuses.
Source: By VOA News