CASPER, Wyoming (AP):

Barack Obama yesterday savoured an easy victory over Hillary Rodham Clinton in Wyoming's caucuses, capturing new momentum after recent setbacks in their fierce tug-o'-war for the Democratic presidential nomination that could drag on for months.

Obama won 61 per cent, or 5,378 votes in Saturday's caucuses, to Clinton's 38 per cent, or 3,312 votes, with all 23 Wyoming counties reporting.

The first-term Illinois senator, who already has a lead in the overall race for delegates at the nominating convention, won seven delegates Saturday, and Clinton won five in the continuing battle to see who faces Republican John McCain in the November general election.

Clinton's caucus concern

Clinton, buoyed by big wins in Ohio and Texas last Tuesday, had said she faced an uphill fight in Wyoming. Obama has generally outperformed Clinton in caucuses which, more than primaries, reward organisation and voter passion.

The former first lady's campaign also holds out little hope for Tuesday's primary in Mississippi, where 33 delegates are at stake. The Southern state has a large black population, and African-American voters have overwhelmingly supported Obama in his bid to become the first black US president. Their next major contest is not until April 22 in Pennsylvania - a race that offers 158 delegates.