McCain on verge of nomination
Wednesday, 06 Feb 2008 19:46
John McCain won a large number of key states
John McCain has surged ahead in the race to become the Republican presidential nominee after primary wins in a number of key states.
Senator McCain, 71, would be the oldest president to begin a first term if he succeeds in being nominated by his party and then beats the Democratic candidate in the election proper.
For the Democrats, the race between Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton is still wide open after an apparent draw with both candidates doing well.
Tuesday's vote was the biggest day yet in the race to the White House, when some 24 US states voted to nominate their favoured Republican and Democrat candidates.
Senator McCain further cemented his position as the Republican front-runner with wins in nine states including New Jersey, Missouri, Connecticut, Delaware and Arizona, Illinois and Oklahoma.
He also crucially picked up wins in the key states of New York and California.
Mitt Romney won seven states and Mike Huckabee did better than expected, taking five.
However, Senator McCain looks to be closing in on the 1,191 delegates he needs to secure the vote - currently holding 613, which is more than double the total of his nearest challenger, Senator Romney, who has 269.
The Democrat race was as tight as expected with Mr Obama taking thirteen states and Ms Clinton winning eight, including, like Mr McCain, the crucial states of California and New York.
However, the pair remain tight in the race for delegates, with just 80 separating the two after the 1,678 at stake on Tuesday were decided.
To secure the Democratic nomination, the winning candidate must have 2,025 of the votes.
Currently Ms Clinton leads Mr Obama by 845 to 765.
Ms Clinton said in a speech to supporters in New York: "Tonight in record numbers, you voted not just to make history but to remake America.
"After seven years of a president who listens only to the special interests, you're ready for a president who brings you values and your dreams to your White House."
She ended with: "I know we're ready."
Her rival Mr Obama was in equally jubilant mood when he took to the stage in Illinois: "There is one thing on this February night that we do not need the final results to know, our time has come.
"What began as a whisper in Springfield has swelled to a chorus of millions calling for change," he said.
"This time can be different because this campaign for the presidency of the United States of the America is different."
With many of the Republican contests being winner-takes-all, John McCain's victories are even more significant, securing him a large number of delegates who select the party's presidential nominee.
Mr McCain, 71, told his supporters: "Although I've never minded the role of the underdog and have relished as much as anyone come-from-behind wins, tonight I think we must get used the idea that we are the Republican party frontrunner."
"And I don't really mind it one bit."