One of the most anticipated primaries in years lived up to the hype Tuesday, as 2008 presidential candidates battled throughout the day. California-wise, the big winners were Hillary Rodham Clinton on the Democratic side and John McCain for Republicans.
Clinton won eight states on the night (a tight race in New Mexico is still up in the air) compared to Barack Obama’s thirteen, but carried several of the most important states and took the lead in total delegates. Clinton managed to capture 52% of the California vote compared to Obama’s 42% – enough to earn her 42 of the state’s crucial 65 votes.
Overall, Clinton’s 818 total delegates so far lead Obama’s 730.
McCain continued his Phoenix-like rise from the ashes with a strong California showing, securing 42% of the state’s vote to Mitt Romney’s 34%. McCain’s California victory – along with several other impressive ones on Tuesday – upped his total to 680, an astounding lead over Romney’s 270.
Check CNN.com’s tracker for the final numbers.