Obama Close to Nomination

After the night was over, Senator Barack Obama was described as being “within reach” of the Democratic Party nomination. He needs less than 100 delegates (only about 64) for the nomination and has won the majority of pledged delegates.

Photo: Obama Close to Nomination

In Kentucky, with 100% of precincts reporting, Clinton received 65% (37 delegates) and Obama 30% (14 delegates). Strangely enough, 3% of the voters in Kentucky wasted their vote by submitting an “uncommitted” vote which translates to a total of 18,029 people.

In Oregon, with 89% of the precincts reporting, Barack Obama took 58% (29 delegates) and Clinton 47% (19 delegates).

Senator Obama held a victory rally in Iowa, the site of his first big win of the year, to highlight his closeness to the nomination and to continue to shift his focus to a general election campaign against John McCain. Recalling the lengthy road he has traveled, Obama told the crowd gathered, "Tonight, Iowa, in the fullness of spring, with the help of those who stood up from Portland to Louisville, we have returned to Iowa with a majority of delegates elected by the American people, and you have put us within reach of the Democratic nomination for president of the United States."

Obama also praised Clinton as a formidable adversary who has never stopped fighting for the American people. "No matter how this primary ends," he said, "Senator Clinton has shattered myths and broken barriers and changed the America in which my daughters and yours will come of age."

On the Republican side, McCain took 72% of the vote in Kentucky, with Huckabee taking 8% and Ron Paul 7%. In Oregon, only two candidates were on the ballot with McCain taking 85% and Ron Paul 15%.

Only three more contests remain. One more super delegate endorsed Senator Obama today. Obama is in Florida campaigning today and will visit Tampa, Kissimmee and Maitland, Florida.. It is his first trip to the state since the primaries began.

Delegate totals: Obama 1,962 (pledged 1,656 and super delegates 306) and Clinton 1,777 (pledged 1,498 and super delegates 279).

Needed to win: 2,026

Lisa KARPOVA

PRAVDA.Ru

USA/CANADA