Mitt Romney eked out a close victory in Ohio but failed to land a knockout blow against rival Rick Santorum on the Republican presidential nominating contest's biggest night, raising the chances of a drawn-out battle between the party's establishment and its grassroots conservatives.
Rivals Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum made their final pitch for support in the vital battleground state of Ohio, the day before 10 states hold Super Tuesday nominating contests that could be pivotal in an unpredictable Republican presidential race.
Mitt Romney notched early wins as he fought to establish his dominance in the race for the Republican US presidential nomination but looked unlikely to score a knockout blow that would force any of his rivals from the contest.
US President Barack Obama dedicated part of his statement to wish “good luck” to the ex governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, in the midst of the “Super Tuesday,” the biggest day in the Republican campaign.