Maryland primary might be pivotal

BALTIMORE, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- With no front-runner among the Republicans and a close race among Democrats, observers say Maryland may play a significant role in the White House race.

The state's Feb. 12 primary will be the first campaign test after Super Tuesday, when 22 states hold primaries and caucuses.

Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley, who pushed the Maryland Legislature to advance the primary to mid-February from early March, has been campaigning outside the state for Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., who is locked in a tight race with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for the Democratic presidential nomination, The Baltimore Sun reported Sunday.

Maryland's election rules are more favorable to Clinton than those of some other states since its primary is closed, meaning only registered party members can vote.

However, Maryland's large African-American population, coupled with the state's affluent white liberals, means the state could go for Obama, the Sun reported.

On the Republican side, strategists are waiting to see the outcome of the Super Tuesday races Feb. 5.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has engendered popularity but faces a cash crunch.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney faces a must-win in Michigan, where he was born, grew up as the governor's son and launched his presidential campaign.