Victory in Vermont for Obama, McCain

Democratic White House contender Barack Obama Tuesday extended his streak against Hillary Clinton to 12 nominating wins on a night of high drama that could decide the former first lady's fate.

With polls in Ohio and Texas still open, US networks projected an Obama victory in Vermont, and also handed the liberal northeastern state to Senator John McCain to leave him a step closer to the Republican nomination.

Vermont would add to the 11 nominating contests bagged by Obama since the original "Super Tuesday" of February 5, in a stunning surge that has left Clinton's presidential dreams on the line.

Rhode Island was also holding its presidential primary on Tuesday but the real prizes were Ohio and Texas. Polls in Ohio suggested Clinton had a slight lead, and the two contenders were running neck and neck in Texas.

Early exit results from the two big states had Obama favored as the better candidate to beat the Republicans in November's general election by 52 percent of Democratic primary voters.