Mitt Romney finally set to hit the magic number

Mitt Romney was poised to clinch the Republican presidential nomination after yesterday's Texas primary, a largely uncontested poll that will formalise the former Massachusetts Governor's status as President Barack Obama's challenger in the election in November.

While Mr Romney's nomination has been virtually assured for a month, the day marks the culmination of several years of work, dating back to his unsuccessful 2008 presidential bid, and perhaps far earlier.

But Mr Romney's focus yesterday was in Colorado and Nevada, where he courted voters and donors and attended a Las Vegas fundraiser with the celebrity property mogul Donald Trump.

The event comes amid fresh criticism from both Republicans and Democrats over Mr Trump's continued questioning of Mr Obama's citizenship.

Yesterday, Mr Obama's campaign launched a new television commercial accusing Mr Romney of failing to stand up to "the voices of extremism" in his party.