US contenders face key tests in South Carolina, Nevada

Actress Eva Longoria (from left), Chelsea Clinton, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, actress America Ferrera and former President Bill Clinton during a rally in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Friday. — AP

White House aspirants were due to face their third test on Saturday when Republicans would square off in South Carolina, where Donald Trump enjoys a commanding lead, and Democrats would battle in Nevada as Hillary Clinton hopes for a comeback.

In South Carolina, Republicans will vote in a primary, while in Nevada, Democrats will caucus — grouping themselves together by candidate to voice their support.

Mr Trump is banking on a big symbolic win ahead of “Super Tuesday” — March 1, when about a dozen states will go to the polls, with a quarter of the nominating delegates up for grabs. “It’s crunch time, folks,” Mr Trump said at a North Charleston rally, his final pitch before the South Carolina primary.

The real estate billionaire finished second to Texas Senator Ted Cruz in Iowa on February 1, but secured a commanding win in New Hampshire one week later.

The key issue in Nevada is reaching minority voters. African-Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans make up roughly half of the desert state’s population.

Ms Clinton, who won by a hair in Iowa but was crushed by rival Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire, is counting on a major Hispanic voter turnout, especially among Las Vegas hotel and casino employees.

The State Department meanwhile has released more than 500 more documents from former secretary of state Ms Clinton’s email account. The department says portions of 64 of the documents were upgraded to the “confidential” level, although none of the information was marked “classified” at the time the emails were sent.