Barack Obama has effectively clinched the Democratic nomination, according to a report. A report based on public and private commitments from super delegates, as well as the minimum amount of delegates Obama will earn in the final South Dakota and Montana primaries, Obama will have secured the Democratic race on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Hillary Rodham Clinton has told congressional colleagues she would be open to becoming Barack Obama's vice presidential nominee, saying she would consider it if it would help Democrats win the White House.

Clinton, a New York senator, made the comment on a conference call with other New York lawmakers Tuesday, according a participant on the call. The senator's remarks came in response to a question from Democratic Representative Nydia Velazquez who said she believed the best way for Obama to win over key voting blocs, including Hispanics, would be for him to choose Clinton as his running mate. "I am open to it," Clinton replied, if it would help the party's prospects in November.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2008