SOUTH BEND — As the polls closed in all four states with presidential primaries on "Super Tuesday II," it was a clean sweep for Republican Senator John McCain.

Senator Barack Obama won Vermont, and Senator Hillary Clinton clinched Rhode Island, but the pivotal Democratic contests remained too close to call late Tuesday night.

Exit polls showed Clinton with a edge in Ohio, and her camp was hoping for a large Hispanic turnout in Texas. Obama told supporters he was confident his lead in the Lone Star state would hold up.

Nearly 200 local Democrats spent the night watching the returns roll in at St. Joseph County Democratic Headquarters in South Bend. Many felt there was a feeling of unity, despite the undecided race.

"He's talking about what I want to hear, and that's change," said Bernice Freeman, a South Bend Democrat, after listening to a speech Obama gave earlier in the day.

"I want change," agreed Marlene Wright, who listed the economy and the war in Iraq as her biggest reasons why.

Everyone in the room agreement on how to get it: "I'm going to vote Democrat," said one after another.

While some worked to "Barack the vote," others were "rolling" the other way, pulling for Hillary Clinton, or not sure who to pull for.

"I haven't made my mind up yet," said South Bend Democrat Patrick Shelton. "They're both good."

It's been the story of the Democratic primary season. Strong debates between the candidates that, at times, have included stinging accusations.

Some are sick of it.

"Stop fighting with each other, and get on to it," said Wright.

But has the race divided the party? Some say no way.

"I think the Democratic party is stronger because of this race," said St. Joseph County Democratic Party Volunteer Dustin Blythe. "People involved in this race know what the stakes are, and they know come November, the important thing is to win."

"I think a competitive race like this can be good for the party," said South Bend Democrat Jennifer Case. "Because then you have everything out there."

Some experts aren't so sure.

"[It could hurt the party], I really do think so," said St. Mary's College Political Science Professor Sean Savage. "I think if Hillary Clinton were to eventually become the nominee of the Democratic party, there would be bad feelings by [some] Obama supporters. And that could have the effect of helping Ralph Nader's Green party candidacy."

If that happens, Savage says Nader could play the role of "spoiler," taking away at least some previous votes from staunch liberals or strong opponents of the Iraq war who disagree with Senator Clinton's vote to authorize it in 2003, or find other faults with her record.

Savage also says Senator McCain's "head start" on November will give him a decided advantage on the campaign trail. He can attacks Democrats on their policies, while the Democrats themselves are forced to continue debating each other.

There's one thing everyone agrees on: Indiana's voice could get a lot louder as May 6 approaches.

"Especially if Hillary Clinton begins to win [more states], that could make it an interesting, competitive, and yes, meaningful Democratic presidential primary in Indiana," said Savage.

Even for some of the biggest Obama fans, that wouldn't be so bad.

"I am supporting Obama, but part of me hopes that Indiana does have a voice, and maybe we can get some attention, and have some candidates come here and listen to what we have to say," said South Bend Democrat Troy Warner.

With the race still too close to call for now, all eyes now turn to Pennsylvania, site of the next major primary on April 22.