Republicans face off in S. Carolina; Dems battle in Nevada

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — After a week of bitter attacks, Republicans face off Saturday in South Carolina's presidential primary, a contest that could determine Donald Trump's strength as a front-runner and help clarify whether a more mainstream politician will ever emerge to challenge him.

While Clinton's campaign once saw the Western battleground as an opportunity to start pulling away from Sanders, her team is nervously anticipating a close contest with the Vermont senator.

For both parties, the 2016 election has revealed deep voter frustration with Washington and the influence of big money in the American political system.

The public mood has upended the usual political order, leaving more traditional candidates scrambling to find their footing.

Wins in those Super Tuesday contests could put the billionaire in a commanding position in the delegate count, which determines the nomination.

Sanders, an avowed democratic socialist, has energized voters, particularly young people, with his impassioned calls for breaking up Wall Street banks and providing free tuition at public colleges and universities.