February 20
09:15
2016
LAS VEGAS/COLUMBIA, S.C. (Reuters) – Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton beat back a strong challenge from Bernie Sanders in the Nevada caucuses on Saturday, a result that could help calm worries among supporters about the strength of her campaign. Clinton's victory denied Sanders the breakthrough win he sought in a state with a heavy minority population, but his ability to close a one-time double-digit polling lead for Clinton suggested the Democratic nominating race would be long and hard fought. With 79 percent of precincts reporting, Clinton was leading with 52.1 percent of the vote to Sanders' 47.8 percent.