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 Washington correspondent Paul Reynolds"Bush is very much on the defensive"  real 28k The BBC's Rob Watson"John McCain is enjoying himself" real 28k |
Presidential rivals fight it out
Senator McCain has high hopes for Washington state
Voters are going to the polls in three US states, as Republican presidential candidates George W Bush and John McCain battle for supremacy in their neck-and-neck nomination campaign.
Although the Republican ballots in Virginia, Washington state and North Dakota are not likely to have a decisive influence, both candidates are seeking to edge ahead before next week's crucial Super Tuesday vote.
Opinion polls put Mr Bush ahead in Virginia - where 56 delegates are at stake and the winner takes all - but they indicate that a tight race is likely in Washington.
Click here to see how they stand
Republican organisers in Virginia and Washington, seeking to stop local Democrats creating confusion in the volatile campaign, are asking voters to sign an oath of loyalty.
In North Dakota, citizens are seen as more trustworthy and similar action is not required of voters in the state's caucus ballot.
The result of the Washington vote is unlikely to be declared on Tuesday because of large numbers of postal and absentee votes.
Although the Republican ballots in Virginia, Washington state and North Dakota are not likely to have a decisive influence, both candidates are seeking to edge ahead before next week's crucial Super Tuesday vote.
Opinion polls put Mr Bush ahead in Virginia - where 56 delegates are at stake and the winner takes all - but they indicate that a tight race is likely in Washington.
Click here to see how they stand
Republican organisers in Virginia and Washington, seeking to stop local Democrats creating confusion in the volatile campaign, are asking voters to sign an oath of loyalty.
In North Dakota, citizens are seen as more trustworthy and similar action is not required of voters in the state's caucus ballot.
The result of the Washington vote is unlikely to be declared on Tuesday because of large numbers of postal and absentee votes.
 Al Gore: Campaigning as if he is the chosen candidate
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In the Democratic race, Vice President Al Gore is up against Bill Bradley in a non-binding primary in Washington state.
The pair will square off in a five-minute debate broadcast to the nation on Thursday.
With a rash of key primaries in California, New York and other states on 7 March, Mr Bradley is keen to narrow the vice president's lead, painting himself as the only candidate promising reform.
Mr Gore has virtually ignored his rival, instead ridiculing the Republican contenders in his campaign stops along the Pacific Coast.
Bitter attacks
Senator McCain launched a strong attack on the Texas governor on the eve of polling, describing him as an agent of right-wing Christians who, he said, preached intolerance and division.
Mr McCain said the Christian Coalition - a powerful influence on Republican politicians - has been responsible for distorting his position on a number of issues and smearing one of his senior advisors.
Mr Bush countered with an equally forceful attack.
"Senator McCain is someone who likes to castigate, not someone who likes to lead," he said. "It's important to unite our party and lead it to victory."
Party favourite
Mr Bush also criticised what he called Senator McCain's "stealth campaign" to depict him as a religious bigot.
The pair will square off in a five-minute debate broadcast to the nation on Thursday.
With a rash of key primaries in California, New York and other states on 7 March, Mr Bradley is keen to narrow the vice president's lead, painting himself as the only candidate promising reform.
Mr Gore has virtually ignored his rival, instead ridiculing the Republican contenders in his campaign stops along the Pacific Coast.
Bitter attacks
Senator McCain launched a strong attack on the Texas governor on the eve of polling, describing him as an agent of right-wing Christians who, he said, preached intolerance and division.
Mr McCain said the Christian Coalition - a powerful influence on Republican politicians - has been responsible for distorting his position on a number of issues and smearing one of his senior advisors.
Mr Bush countered with an equally forceful attack.
"Senator McCain is someone who likes to castigate, not someone who likes to lead," he said. "It's important to unite our party and lead it to victory."
Party favourite
Mr Bush also criticised what he called Senator McCain's "stealth campaign" to depict him as a religious bigot.
 Governor Bush says he can unite the party
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"The man is willing to say one thing and do another," he said, and accused his rival of "shamelessly using religion to get ahead".
Opinion polls indicate that Mr Bush remains favourite to win the Republican Party nomination.
He holds a commanding lead in the crucial state of California, and is also expected to win in his home state, Texas, and in Florida, where his brother is governor.
Click here to return
Opinion polls indicate that Mr Bush remains favourite to win the Republican Party nomination.
He holds a commanding lead in the crucial state of California, and is also expected to win in his home state, Texas, and in Florida, where his brother is governor.
Click here to return
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