Sanders relying on Oregon to help keep campaign alive

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — On the eve of Oregon's primary, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders says the state is critical to his long-shot hopes of winning the Democratic nomination this summer at the national convention.


Sanders told The Associated Press on Monday he's confident he'll win big in Oregon on Tuesday if there's a strong voter turnout. He's held three Oregon rallies this year, while front-runner Hillary Clinton has not visited. She spent Monday campaigning in Kentucky, whose primary is also Tuesday.

As of Monday morning, 29 percent of Oregon voters returned their ballots, which is slightly behind pace from 2008 but state elections officials say it's possible turnout could still break records. Other than the presidential race, the Oregon secretary of state seat is among the few heated contested races on the ballot.