Presidential candidate Barack Obama wants to become the nominee of the Democratic Party, but in little Rhode Island his campaign is talking about a house party.

Make that house parties -- 21 in all around the state -- leading up to the March 4 primary in which Rhode Island, Texas, Ohio, and Vermont may turn out to be crucial in the nomination battle between Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton.

The Obama campaign said in today's news release the house parties are "organized and hosted by grassroots volunteers" and will give the state's Obama supporters a chance to talk with friends and neighbors "about why Senator Obama is the best candidate to unite our country and bring about change we can believe in."

Meanwhile, Clinton is slated to hold one big get-together -- at Rhode Island College for a rally this Sunday.

She will appear at a 1:30 p.m. for thhe "Solutions for America" rally at RIC's recreation center in Providence, her campaign said. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.

Her husband, former President Bill Clinton, is slated to visit Rhode Island on Feb. 28.