BBC Online :New York is holding presidential primaries seen as key for both Republican and Democratic front-runners after their recent defeats. Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton, a former senator for New York, is expected to win against Brooklyn-born Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.For the Republicans, Queens-born Donald Trump is likely to come ahead of Texas Senator Ted Cruz.Wins will put Mrs Clinton and Mr Trump closer to securing their nominations.They hope big victories in the delegate-rich state will help them regain momentum and overcome criticism over the strength of their campaigns.It has been a fierce campaign in the state, with the leading candidates using their local ties to attract voters.Hillary Clinton was twice elected senator for New York, and a defeat there would be a devastating political blow. Whereas Donald Trump, who was born in the New York City borough of Queens, lives in a building bearing his name in midtown Manhattan.Mrs Clinton’s side sees the vote as a make-or-break moment, and they say a victory there will virtually seal her Democratic nomination. In the last day of campaigning, she met nurses, stopped at a car wash and ate ice cream while meeting voters. At a gathering in Manhattan, she was joined by her husband, former US President Bill Clinton.Opinion polls have given her a lead over Mr Sanders, who has won seven out of the last eight state votes. “We are not taking anything for granted,” Mrs Clinton said. “Tell your friends and your family, everyone, to please vote on [Tuesday].” Mr Sanders hopes a victory in New York will keep his candidacy alive, as there are 291 delegates at stake.The Democratic campaign has turned increasingly negative, with both candidates trading barbs about their qualifications. The Clinton campaign has warned her rival that he risks damaging the party’s eventual nominee if he keeps up his harsh criticism.But on the eve of the primary, Mr Sanders accused Hillary Clinton of campaign finance violations, an allegation her team denied. For Mr Trump, a win in New York will reduce the chances of a contested nomination at the Republican party convention in July.The big question is whether he will make a clean sweep of all 95 Republican delegates at stake in New York by earning the majority of votes. Polls have given him a clear lead over Ohio Governor John Kasich and Mr Cruz.
