McCain falters in Kansas

SENATOR John McCain flunked his first ballot tests since becoming Republican nominee-in-waiting.

He lost Kansas caucuses to rival Mike Huckabee, gaining less than 24% of the vote.

Mr Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor, got nearly 60% of the vote a few hours after saying: “I majored in miracles, and I still believe in them.” He won all 36 delegates at stake in Kansas. He also won the Louisiana primary, but fell short of 50%, the threshold necessary to pocket the 20 delegates available. Instead, they will be awarded at a state convention next weekend.

Mr McCain won the third Republican race of the night, Washington’s caucuses. None of the state’s delegates will be awarded until next week.

Mr McCain has 719 delegates, Mr Huckabee has 234 and Ron Paul has 14. It takes 1,191 to win the nomination at national convention.

Meanwhile, President George W Bush yesterday described Mr McCain as a “true conservative”, although Mr McCain may have to work harder to convince other conservatives he is one of them.

Mr McCain “is very strong on national defence”, said Mr Bush. “He believes the tax cuts ought to be permanent. He is pro-life. His principles are sound and solid,” he said.

But when asked about criticism of Mr McCain by conservative commentators Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter, Mr Bush said: “He has got to convince people that he is a solid conservative and I’ll be glad to help him if he is the nominee.”

Results so far

Democrats

Hillary Clinton: 1,095 delegates, 13 states.

Barack Obama: 1,070 delegates, 18 states.

Republicans

John McCain: 719 delegates, 12 states.

Mike Huckabee: 234 delegates, 7 states.

Ron Paul: 14 delegate