SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)  -- California Senator Barbara Boxer says Democrats are starting to focus on unity, instead of loyalty, in the race for the party's presidential nomination.

Senator Boxer has not played favorites in her party’s presidential race, but says momentum appears to be in the corner of Senator Barack Obama.

“And I said before the California primary that I would vote for the person who won and I’ve stayed neutral the entire time,” said Boxer.

Senator Hillary Clinton won in California, but Boxer says Obama is the candidate gaining steam.

“Some reality is setting in and as Senator Obama continues to build up the delegates, I think certain things will become inevitable and unity will overtake loyalty,” continued Boxer.

Boxer also said she thinks the tone of the campaign has improved.

“As long as Senator Clinton feels she needs to stay in this for a while longer is my sense of it, if she concentrates on the issues and on why Senator McCain is going to be another four years of George Bush, and if Barack does the same, I think we’re okay.”

Boxer says she thinks Democrats will settle on a nominee before the party’s national convention.

KCBS' Chris Filippi reports

(gma)