Key States of Texas, Ohio Hold US Presidential Primaries
 

U.S. Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are in a tight race in two key states holding presidential primaries Tuesday, while Senator John McCain is on the verge of clinching his party's nomination.

Public opinion polls indicate Democrats Clinton and Obama are very close in the delegate-rich states of Texas and Ohio. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has said his wife needs to win both states to keep her campaign alive.

Clinton lags behind Obama, with 11 straight losses in primaries and caucuses.

Along with Texas and Ohio, the smaller states of Rhode Island and Vermont hold primaries Tuesday.

Senator McCain could secure the Republican Party nomination with victories Tuesday. He has a commanding lead over former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.