McCain Wins South Carolina Republican Primary

Arizonia Senator John McCain has won the Republican U.S. presidential primary in the southeastern state of South Carolina. McCain won by a slim margin Saturday, 33% to 30% of the vote, over former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

In his concession speech, Huckabee said he thanked McCain for running a “civil and decent campaign” and said he is looking forward to continuing in the race.

The Republicans now turn their attention to the southern state of Florida’s primary January 29. New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has focused most of his attention in the state as he seeks his first victory.
Earlier Saturday, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney easily won the Republican nominating contest in the western state of Nevada.

The Democratic Party’s Nevada contest was split with Senator Hillary Clinton of New York winning the popular vote but Illinois Senator Barack Obama winning slightly more delegates to the Democrat’s national nominating convention.

Clinton received support from about 51% of the people taking part in the Democrats’ Nevada caucuses, while Obama had 45%. Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards finished a distant third.

The Democratic candidates now head to South Carolina to campaign for their primary in that state next Saturday.

All the contenders from both parties hope to build momentum before the critical primaries and caucuses on so-called Super Tuesday - February 5 - when 22 states hold presidential nominating contests.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

by VOA News

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