Time is quickly running out for Bernie Sanders to make final push for the Democratic nomination for president, as Hillary Clinton inches ever closer to the party’s nomination. In three straight weeks the Vermont senator has picked up state wins, but each have failed to put a dent in Clinton’s significant lead.
As desperation mounts, Sanders is hoping for wins in Kentucky and Oregon on Tuesday evening, where 116 total delegates are at stake.
Clinton is just 143 delegates away from clinching the nomination when counting for superdelegates. Just over 1,000 delegates are available to be allocated.
While polling data in both states is limited, things aren’t looking good for Sanders as voters submit ballots. Real Clear Politics has Clinton leading in two polls in Kentucky and in one poll in Oregon.
However, Sanders is banking on the Kentucky coal industry to come out and vote. Last week, he won West Virginia partly on the backs of miners upset over Clinton’s push for alternative forms of energy.
Polls close at 6 p.m. local time (ET and CT) in Kentucky, while polls close at 8 p.m. PT in Oregon.
Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.
