Clinton wins Nevada Democratic caucuses

Mrs Clinton’s narrow margin of victory in a state where she was once expected to win by double digits suggested the Democratic nominating race could be long and hard-fought, with Sanders performing strongly in a state with a heavy minority population. That was sufficient for AP to call the race for her.

With 65 percent of the precincts reporting, Clinton was leading with 52.2 percent of the vote to Sanders’ 47.8 percent. “You turned out in every corner of the state”. Bernie Sanders has momentum coming off his big win in New Hampshire, he’s made inroads with African Americans and Latinos, and he’s been outspending Clinton on TV ads.

Sanders was chosen by 85 percent of caucus-goers as “honest and trustworthy” versus 15 percent for Clinton, based on entrance poll data.

By those numbers, Clinton won 74 percent of the support of voters 65 and older, as well as 61 percent among people 45 to 64.

A remarkable seven in 10 caucus goers describe themselves as liberals, including a third “very” liberal – far higher than their share in the 2008 Nevada caucuses, 45 and 18 percent, respectively. Sanders won 53 percent of men.

After a devastating, double-digit loss in New Hampshire, Clinton prevailed in Nevada with the backing of women, union workers, minorities, moderates and voters who are certain that the former secretary of state will have a better shot at winning in November, according to entrance polls.

Hispanics were a key group of voters for the Nevada race today as they account for 19% of the electorate.

Thirty-five delegates are up for grabs in Nevada.

Sanders also appeared to make gains with independent voters. In Nevada, 50 percent of Democratic caucus attendees said they want to see Obama’s policies continued, and Clinton won 75 percent support from these voters.

“I am very proud of the campaign we ran”, Sanders said in a statement.

The next Democratic primary is Saturday, February 27 in SC followed by Super Tuesday – 12 states and one territory will hold primaries and caucuses on Tuesday, March 1. Clinton maintains a strong lead there in recent polls, ahead by more than 20 points, according to RealClearPolitics.