McCain wins South Carolina

Sen. John McCain won a hard-fought South Carolina primary Saturday night, avenging a bitter personal defeat in a bastion of conservatism and gaining ground in an unpredictable race for the Republican presidential nomination. Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama split the spoils in Nevada caucuses marred by late charges of dirty politics.

"We've got a long way to go," McCain told The Associated Press in an interview. He quickly predicted that his victory in the first southern primary would help him next week when Florida votes, and again on Feb. 5 when more than two dozen states hold primaries and caucuses.

Republican presidential candidate and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) greets supporters during a campaign stop in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, January 18, 2008. REUTERS/Joshua Lott

Republican presidential candidate and US Senator John McCain (R-AZ) greets a supporter outside a polling station during a campaign in Charleston, South Carolina January 19, 2008.

(Joshua Lott/Reuters)

McCain holds steady lead in South Carolina: poll- Can He win ?

Republican presidential candidate US Senator John McCain (R) speaks at his Michigan primary night rally with his wife Cindy at his side in Charleston, South Carolina, January 15, 2008.

(Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

McCain vows he'll win in South Carolina

Can He ?

Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., greets people in the audience after speaking to the crowd at a watch party campaign event, in Charleston, S.C., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, following primary voting in Michigan.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain (C) arrives with his wife Cindy (L) at his Michigan primary night rally in Charleston, South Carolina January 15, 2008. REUTERS/Joshua Lott (UNITED STATES) US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN 2008

(USA)

Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., center, smiles while addressing a crowd as his wife Cindy, left, and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., right, look on during a watch party campaign event, in Charleston, S.C., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, following primary voting in Michigan.

(AP Photo/Steven Senne)