Clinton to stay in race for varied reasons

LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 21 (UPI) -- Sen. Hillary Clinton vowed to stay in the Democratic Party U.S. presidential hunt, saying she believes she can be the nominee or at least achieve some goals.

Clinton, D-N.Y., disputes her remaining in the race creates divisions within the party and unintentionally promotes racism, The New York Times reported Wednesday. Instead, she says she believes sexism has clouded the primary, an assertion her supporters have made for months.

During her primary victory speech in Louisville, Ky., Clinton told her supporters she'll campaign until there was a Democratic nominee, "whoever she may be."

She also points to a solid reason for battling with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., to be the party's nominee for president -- her campaign says her victories, delegates and votes will provide leverage when the Democratic National Committee rules panel meets to determine the fate of delegates from Florida and Michigan, punished for pushing up the dates of their primary elections, the Times said.

"There is not yet a Democratic nominee, and she will continue until every voter has a say in the process, including Florida and Michigan," said Guy Cecil, Clinton's political director.

Three Democratic primaries remain: Montana, South Dakota and Puerto Rico.