SYRACUSE - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton took a few bites of barbecue and shook hands at the state fair Friday - but she declined to talk about her vice presidential prospects.

On a day and night of political suspense, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden emerged as a leading contender Friday to become Barack Obama's vice presidential pick as two running mate rivals learned they had been eliminated.

Virginia Gov. Tom Kaine spread word he had been ruled out and Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana was told he was not Obama's choice, according to party officials.

The normally loquacious Biden maintained a low profile as associates said they believed - but did not know - that he would be tapped. They added they had been asked to stand by in case their help was needed. Similarly, Clinton would not say whether she had heard from the Obama campaign about her running mate status when asked by a reporter Friday during a tour of the New York State Fair.

“My answer to any question about the subject that I think you're referring to is that all inquiries should be directed at Senator Obama's campaign,” Clinton said.

She added: “I've always said that I will do whatever I can because I feel so strongly in making sure that we elect Senator Obama to be our next president.”

Obama defeated Clinton after a long - and sometimes contentious - battle in the Democratic primaries.

Clinton is not generally considered a favorite for the Democratic No. 2 spot. However recent polls showing a tight race between Obama and Republican John McCain have sparked fresh discussion about whether Obama would make a surprise selection of Clinton as his running mate.

Obama has arranged a joint appearance for Saturday with his running mate at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill.

Jay Biba, regional director of Clinton's central New York office, said the senator was heading back to her Westchester County house on Friday afternoon.

Critics have accused Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, of giving only lackluster support for Obama. But New York's junior senator disputed that characterization while touring the fair.

“I've done more than anybody had done in my position,” she said.

Clinton took a questions from reporters during a brief visit to the fair. She also paused while a barbershop quartet sang “Happy Days are Here Again” to her, signed autographs and posed for pictures.

She was followed by giddy well-wishers and shouts of “You go girl!”