On the Republican side, Arizona Senator McCain maintained a two-digit lead over former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee at 54 percent to 38 percent in 60 percent of precincts counted.
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US Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and wife Cindy celebrate at his Wisconsin primary election night rally after winning the Wisconsin Republican primary in Columbus, Ohio February 19, 2008. [Agencies]
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"I promise you I will wage a campaign with determination, passion, and the right ideas for strengthening our country that prove worthy of the honor and responsibility you have given me," the 71-year-old Vietnam veteran told a supporter rally.
Targeting Obama as a potential rival in the national elections, McCain also vowed to "make sure Americans are not deceived by an eloquent but empty call for change."
Exit polls showed McCain has improved his support among social conservative voters who are the Republican backbone, by winning 45 percent of their votes in Wisconsin, compared to about 30 percent in Maryland primary.
McCain has so far accumulated over 900 delegates, taking him just steps away from winning the 1,191 needed to be the Republican presidential nominee in the national election.
