Oregon’s presidential primary, late as it is, may actually be relevant in this year’s presidential election, according to political activists.

Hillary Clinton’s wins in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island Tuesday have made the race for the Democratic presidential nomination tighter than ever.

That means that even though Oregon’s primary isn’t until May 20th, the national campaigns behind Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama will take it seriously.

“We are the 47th state to vote in the presidential primaries, so it’s pretty rare to actually matter in this process,” said Kari Chisolm, a former John Edwards supporter in Portland who now supports Barack Obama. “It’s the battle of the Titans this year.”

More: Complete primary coverage

Chisolm also is co-editor of the political blog Blue Oregon.

Josh Kardon, Chair of the Clinton campaign in Oregon, said he’s already discussed plans for a Clinton visit to Oregon with his national counterparts.

“I can’t talk about it at this time,” he said Wednesday. “But I can tell you this: that Senator Clinton will compete in Oregon and she’ll compete well.”

Chisholm predicted Oregonians would see television commercials from both democratic candidates starting in April. He said because Oregonians vote by mail, it will be important for the candidates to drum up support by the time ballots go out, around May 1.

“Candidates and their organizations will have to be on the ground here in Oregon in the month of April,” Chisolm said.

“This is good for Oregon, good for democracy,” said Kardon. “It’s going to be exciting.”

If the race remains as tight as it is now up until the Democratic National Convention in August, superdelegates” may decide the nominee.

Oregon has 12 superdelegates.

Most are uncommitted, but there are exceptions: Congressman Earl Blumenauer not only has pledged his support to Barack Obama; he is chair of Obama’s Oregon campaign. Governor Ted Kulongoski has said he’ll support Hillary Clinton.