The dispute could be resolved as soon as May 31 by the Democratic National Committee's rules panel, which has the authority to reinstate the delegations or fashion a compromise.
Given Obama's formidable lead in delegates, he could agree to seat the entire delegations from both states and still maintain his advantage over Clinton. In short, compromising with Clinton on this point might not cost Obama much.
"If you've resolved Michigan and Florida and she wins a couple of more states -- West Virginia and Kentucky -- and she still can't get the nomination barring an act of God, I don't think she stays in the race," the Clinton supporter said.
Though she is campaigning actively, Clinton is now avoiding direct attacks on Obama, choosing a more muted approach.
In South Dakota on Thursday, she didn't mention his name.
Instead, she spooled out her policy positions and spoke glowingly about the achievements of her husband's White House.
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peter.nicholas@latimes.com
Times staff writers Bob Drogin, Richard Simon and Peter Wallsten contributed to this report.
