McCain wins Republican nomination

Ohio: John McCain has won the race to become the Republican Party presidential candidate, after wins in Ohio, Vermont, Rhode Island and Texas.

McCain's four big victories give him the 1,191 delegates he needs to secure the nomination.

McCain's nearest rival in the race, Mike Huckabee, has pulled out of his bid and pledged to support him.

On Wednesday, President George W. Bush will endorse the Arizona senator at the White House.

Speaking to supporters in Dallas, McCain said: "I am very pleased to note that tonight, my friends, we have won enough delegates to claim with confidence, humility and a sense of great responsibility that I will be the Republican nominee for president of the United States".

The former Navy pilot fighter added that the "contest begins tonight," looking forward to a race against either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama in November.

In the Democratic race, things remain as tight as ever as Hillary Clinton dented Barack Obama's winning streak by clinching key primaries in Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island.

However, Barack Obama did gain victory in Vermont.

After his victory in the Republican race, John McCain said he would now need to face the challenge of making “a respectful, determined and convincing case to the American people''.