McCain 'wins' crucial US primary

Jan 9, BBCNews

John McCain has won the Republican presidential primary, according to projections from US media outlets.

The Democratic race is neck-and-neck between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, according to exit polls.

The state secretary, Bill Gardner, has estimated that the turnout in the vote could break records, with some half a million people having cast ballots.

Candidates are aiming to build momentum before more than 20 states hold polls on 5 February, known as Super Tuesday.

Turnout up

Analysts say New Hampshire's large bloc of independents - about 45% of registered voters - could be key to swinging the primary, the second in a series of state-level votes and caucuses through which the parties choose their candidates for the US presidency.

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photo: AP