US Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has called for a “one-on-one” battle with Ted Cruz, urging other rivals to quit the nomination race.
Mr Cruz also suggested it was time for other hopefuls, like Marco Rubio and John Kasich, to step aside. Mr Trump and Mr Cruz won two states each in Saturday’s voting.
In the Democratic race, Bernie Sanders took two states – but Hillary Clinton maintained her front-runner status after a big victory in Louisiana.
Speaking after wins in the Republican Kentucky caucuses and Louisiana primary election, Mr Trump told a news conference: “I would love to take on Ted Cruz one on one.”
“Marco Rubio had a very very bad night and personally I call for him to drop out of the race. I think it’s time now that he dropped out of the race. I really think so.”
Meanwhile, Texas Senator Mr Cruz – who won Republican caucuses in Kansas and Maine – said he believed that “as long as the field remains divided, it gives Donald an advantage”.
Florida Senator Mr Rubio and Ohio Governor Mr Kasich have so far made no public comments on the issue.
Mr Cruz now appears to be the only candidate who can stop Mr Trump, analysts say, after a week in which the Republican establishment did everything it could to attack Mr Trump, a New York tycoon.
At a glance:
- Donald Trump won two more states, bringing his total to 12
- Ted Cruz’s two victories give him six wins in all
- Marco Rubio has won only one state, while John Kasich has none
- Hillary Clinton’s win in Louisiana gives her a total of 11 states
- Bernie Sanders’ two victories give him seven wins in all
Observers also point out that Mr Cruz and Vermont Senator Mr Sanders – who beat Mrs Clinton in Kansas and Nebraska – both won in states holding caucuses but lost in the Louisiana primary elections, involving far more voters.
They say that the Louisiana race also appears to have exposed Mr Sanders’ lack of support among African-American voters.
Mrs Clinton said she was thrilled to add to her delegate count.
She said: “No matter who wins this Democratic nomination, I have not the slightest doubt that on our worst day we will be infinitely better than the Republicans on their best day.” BBC
