Washington, Reuters, 23 March 2016 – US Republican front-runner Donald Trump and Democratic favorite Hillary Clinton swept to victory in Arizona on Tuesday in contests that were overshadowed by deadly attacks in Brussels that raised security concerns in the United States.
Trump easily defeated his two rivals for the Republican presidential nomination, US Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Ohio Governor John Kasich, US television networks projected.
On the Democratic side, Clinton stretched her advantage in the Democratic contest by winning Arizona, routing US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
The contests in Arizona and Utah took place on the same day that attacks in Brussels killed at least 30 people, adding to Americans’ concerns about the threat from Islamist militants.
“This is a time for America to lead, not cower,” Clinton told supporters in Seattle in a victory speech.
Sanders was unbowed in defeat, saying national polls showed him gaining on former secretary of state Clinton.
Long lines of voters were reported in both states.
Trump, the New York billionaire and former reality TV star, has ridden an anti-Washington message to become the favorite for the nomination. This has left a flagging anti-Trump effort with faint hopes of stopping him at the Republican national convention in July.