McCain 'to halt' his campaign

John McCain assesses his campaign with advisers

US Senator John McCain intends to halt his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination after a major setback in the crucial Super Tuesday primaries, campaign aides have said.

Mr McCain is expected to announce his plans at a news conference later.

"At 10 a.m. (1700 GMT) tomorrow, Senator McCain will make a major announcement regarding the campaign," an aide said on Wednesday.

Campaign events have already been cancelled and none are scheduled after the announcement.

But it is still unclear whether he will drop out of the race completely or put his campaign on hold while he assesses his options.

McCain aides had said a victory in the New York primary was critical for the senator to remain a viable candidate.

His opponent, George W Bush, took 51% of the vote in New York to Mr McCain's 43%.

Democrats

In the Democrat race, former Senator Bill Bradley is also expected to quit following his disastrous showing against Vice-President Al Gore.

His aides said Mr Bradley would end his bid in his home state of New Jersey on Thursday at 1pm (1600 GMT), at which time he would endorse Mr Gore.

George Bush has the Oval Office in his sights

The result means that the establishment candidates Mr Bush and Mr Gore now appear certain to contest the poll in November, in what correspondents predict will be a bitter and bruising campaign.

Correspondents say neither Mr Bush nor Mr Gore are likely to shrink from the negative campaigning which has been a feature of the primaries season.

Results

Mr Bush fought off the challenge from Mr McCain, winning all the key states in the Super Tuesday ballots.

In the Democratic race, Mr Gore looks set to sweep all the states.

In their victory speeches, Mr Gore and Mr Bush both laid out what are expected to be the themes of their coming presidential campaigns.

For the vice-president it was "continue the prosperity", while Mr Bush pledged to "restore honour to the White House".

Knock-out blow

Mr McCain's victories were restricted to a few less politically important New England states.

Mr Bush told a victory rally in Austin, Texas: "We have good news - from sea to shining sea.

Bill Bradley is embraced by his wife, Ernestine

"Republicans and conservatives across American have said they want me to lead the Republican Party to victory come November, and I am ready and eager to do so."

He paid tribute to Mr McCain and former Ambassador Alan Keyes for mounting what he called a "spirited contest".

Gore triumphs

Speaking at a victory rally in his home state of Tennessee, Mr Gore told supporters that he had received a "gracious" telephone call from his rival.

However, much of the rest of his speech looked forward to the presidential race itself.

"We don't need to go back to where we were eight years ago. We are the party of the mainstream. We are the party of hope."