Obama hits back, Clinton heads to Wisconsin

Barack Obama hit back at rival Hillary Clinton yesterday before a Wisconsin showdown next Tuesday in their Democratic presidential battle, as Clinton headed to the state for the first time. Obama, a first-term Illinois senator, has beaten Clinton in the last eight state contests to gain the upper hand in their duel to become the Democratic presidential nominee in November's election.

Obama has spent four days in Wisconsin since his last round of victories last Tuesday, while Clinton has focused on March 4 votes in Ohio and Texas hoping victories there will rejuvenate her flagging campaign.

He launched another advertisement yesterday, responding to Clinton's recent attacks. The New York senator has criticised him as more talk than action, and aired two ads in Wisconsin this week attacking his refusal to debate in the state and his health care and retirement plans.

"After 18 debates, with two more coming, Hillary says Barack Obama is ducking debates? It's the same old politics," an announcer says in Obama's new ad.

"Obama has a plan to protect social security benefits and the current retirement age. Hillary doesn't," the spot said. Obama and Clinton were to appear separately yesterday evening at a party dinner in Milwaukee. Clinton will campaign in the state today and tomorrow before the primary.