200805141308 | Clinton 'wins' W Virginia primary as expected

Clinton 'wins' W Virginia primary as expected

Hillary Clinton has beaten Barack Obama in West Virginia's Democratic presidential primary, US media outlets have projected. Senator Clinton held a big opinion poll lead over Mr Obama ahead of the vote. Mr Obama remains the clear frontrunner in the overall contest to become the party's nominee, having garnered more support and cash.

Correspondents say even a big Clinton win in West Virginia will do little to alter the race.

In the primaries and caucuses so far, Mr Obama has won more of the delegates who will choose the party's nominee at the Democratic National Convention this summer.

An additional two dozen super-delegates - party and elected officials - have declared their support for him in the past week, according to the Associated Press news agency, swelling his lead.

Pressure

Mrs Clinton campaigned hard in West Virginia, although only 28 delegates were at stake.