WASHINGTON, February (RIA Novosti) - Democrat candidate Barack Obama swept to victory in three primaries in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, edging past rival Hillary Clinton in the nomination contest.
Obama, who is looking to become the first black U.S. president, has now won in 21 states, while former first lady Clinton, seeking to be the first female president, has taken 12 states.
Television channel CBS puts Obama ahead with the support of 1,223 delegates while Clinton is thought to have 1,161 with 2,025 delegates required to secure the party's nomination.
The Democrat contest now moves to primaries in Wisconsin and Hawaii (caucus) on February 19, and Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island March 4.
Republican Senator John McCain also took all three primaries extending his insurmountable lead over nearest rival former-Arkansas Governor Mike Huckerbee, with 1,191 delegates needed to win the Republican nomination.
