Romney to win Nebraska primary, CBS News projects

May 15, 2012 9:36 PM

Romney to win Nebraska primary, CBS News projects


With 13 percent of the votes counted, Romney led by an overwhelming 76 percent support. Rick Santorum, who ended his presidential bid last month, earned 11 percent support. Romney is also expected to win in Oregon's GOP primary, where polls close at 11 p.m. ET.

Even if he wins all of the delegates up for grabs Tuesday night, Romney will not be able to earn the number of delegates needed to make his nomination official. Oregon has 25 delegates at stake in its primary, while Nebraska, which will be sending 32 delegates to the national convention, is holding a non-binding primary.

Heading into the evening's two contests, Romney had 963 total delegates, 181 delegates short of the necessary 1,144, according to CBS News estimates.

Still, with no remaining competitors actively campaigning against him, the former Massachusetts governor is widely viewed as the presumptive nominee.

On Monday, Texas congressman Ron Paul announced that he will no longer actively campaign in the GOP presidential primaries, although he says he won't formally suspend his campaign. The libertarian candidate's organization will continue to accumulate delegates to send to the Republican National Convention. Paul has 98 delegates, according to CBS News estimates.

Romney to win Nebraska primary, CBS News projects - Political Hotsheet - CBS News