Obama supporters fear protracted primary

WASHINGTON, April 26 (UPI) -- Voting blocs of wealthy liberals and African-American voters are increasingly calling for Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton to exit the U.S. presidential race.

They say otherwise the protracted fight for the Democratic presidential nomination could do the party harm come November, The Washington Post reported Saturday.

"If this party is perceived by people as having gone into a back room somewhere and brokered a nominee, that would not be good for our party," House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, D-S.C., the highest ranking African-American in Congress, warned.

"I'm telling you, if this continues on its current course, (the damage) is going to be irreparable," he added.

However, Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, who is black and supports Clinton, said she does not share her colleagues' concerns that former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton will do whatever is necessary for her to win the nomination.

"I disagree they will do anything or they are trying to hurt Barack Obama," she was quoted as saying.

She added black voters "are not a monolith, and we recognize the importance of this election."