The scene is Gary, Indiana, and the tiled walls of Theodore Roosevelt High School’s gym, along with its “Panthers” banners, are looking a bit worn.

Shabbiness is no surprise in this Rust Belt steel-making region that has been hit hard by economic stagnation for decades, USA Today notes.

But the capacity crowds turning out in Gary and vicinity for Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are signs of renewed political vitality.

The contentious, marathon Democratic nominating contest is now focused on North Carolina and Indiana, which hold their primaries May 6.

To win the Indiana primary, carrying the state’s northwestern region — the five counties nearest Chicago — is critical for both candidates.

The key to that? Convincing voters that you offer the best plan to survive in a manufacturing economy that has been gutted in recent decades - and in many voters’ views, thanks to foreign trade agreements.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton square off in the Hoosier State.

Given its proximity to Chicago, the region looks as if it would favor Barack Obama — but there are myriad obstacles in the way of both.

A large proportion of black and Latino voters and a heavy union presence present unique challenges for this dynamic Democratic duo.

As a result, the Hoosier State could truly be up for grabs in the first Democratic primary that has mattered there in 24 years.

Seven state polls since February show Hillary Clinton leading in four and Obama in three. Obama leads 50-45 percent in the most recent, released April 11 by Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Continue reading this USA Today article here …