McCain is the GOP nominee

John McCain clinched the Republican presidential nomination tonight after strong showings in today's primaries.

He has been projected the winner in Rhode Island and Texas, following on his earlier projected wins in Vermont and Ohio. That will give him enough delegates to reach the magic 1,191 number.

"Thank you Texas, Ohio, Vermont, and Rhode Island," McCain told supporters in a Dallas ballroom with red, white, and blue balloons, confetti machines, and a huge banner with "1,191."
"I am very grateful for the broad support you have given me."

He declared he had won enough delegates to "claim with confidence, humility and a great deal of responsiblity that I will be the nominee."

Heading into today's four primaries with 256 delegates at stake, McCain was 117 shy of the magic number, according to an Associated Press tally.

Mike Huckabee, far behind with 257 delegates before today, dropped out of the race tonight, saying he called McCain to congratulate him and offer his support for a united party.

Huckabee said he was proud that he and McCain ran civil and honorable campaigns. "It's been one we will always be able to say we ran with honor," the former Arkansas governor told supporters in Irving, Texas.