US Republican White House contender Mitt Romney has pulled off a double win in the Michigan and Arizona primaries.
“We didn’t win by a lot, but we won by enough and that’s what counts,” Romney said in Michigan.
With almost all votes counted, Romney had an unassailable lead in both states over Rick Santorum in second.
Michigan was seen as vital for Romney, who was born in the state, but he had struggled to win over conservative voters.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Congressman Ron Paul did not actively campaign in Arizona and Michigan, focusing on contests scheduled for next week.
In Arizona, Romney had 47 per cent of the votes to Santorum’s 27 per cent; and was ahead in Michigan by 41per cent to 38 per cent.
Gingrich was on course to poll 16 per cent in Arizona, with Paul on 8 per cent. In Michigan, Paul has won 12 per cent of the vote, with 7 per cent for Gingrich.
The two primaries come ahead of “Super Tuesday” on March 6,when Republicans in ten states will vote for their chosen presidential delegate. (BBC)
