RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Barack Obama calls his North Carolina win over Hillary Rodham Clinton a victory against political "gimmicks"

Obama won easily and lengthened his lead in the delegate race. The Illinois senator said he now stands less than 200 votes from securing the Democratic presidential nomination.

He called the North Carolina win a victory in "a big state" and a "swing state" that he plans to win in November if he is the nominee.

Obama spoke at a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina. He said it appears Clinton has won Indiana, although thousands of votes have yet to be counted in key counties.

Obama says he disagrees with those who say the closely fought primary contest has harmed the party, although he concedes there have been "bruised feelings." He predicted Democrats will come together in the fall.