Trump takes Nevada GOP caucus
February 24, 2016 - 2:46 am

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, flanked by sons Donald Trump Jr., left, and Eric Trump, speaks at his watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio shakes hands with a supporter during a rally at the Silverton Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Bob Burns, left, celebrates with others as numbers come in projecting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as the winner of the Nevada GOP caucus at Trump‘s watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Gov. Brian Sandoval cast the first ballot of his precinct at the Republican caucus at Caughlin Ranch Elementary School in Reno, Nev. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2016. Sandoval voted for Rubio but said it was not an endorsement. Cathleen Allison/Las Vegas Review-Journal

Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses caucus goers as he visits a Nevada Republican caucus site at Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas, Nevada February 23, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young

Donald Trump supporter Mitchell Wilburn poses for a portrait at Del Sol High School during the Nevada Republican caucus on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump flexes his muscles as he talks with caucus participants while visiting a Nevada Republican caucus site at Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas, Nevada February 23, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Republican U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump greets caucus goers as he visits a Nevada Republican caucus site at Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas, Nevada February 23, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio shakes hands with a supporter during a rally at the Silverton Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio poises for a selfie during a campaign rally at the Silverton Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Jamie, who declined to give her last name and her son name, 8, watches while Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio speaks during a rally at the Silverton Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio speaks during a rally at the Silverton Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Supporters clap while Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio speaks during a rally at the Silverton Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Julie Castro listens while Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio speaks during a rally at the Silverton Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio,right, hugs his Las Vegas cousin Shane Conger during a campaign rally at the Silverton Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Also in the photo is cousins Richard Lozano,left, Seven Conger Jr. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio speaks during a rally at the Silverton Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Carol Tanner, a supporter of Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio shows off her hat as caucus-goers arrive at Bonanza High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

A glass of water is seen on the stage during a rally for Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio shakes during a rally at the Silverton Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Republican presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio speaks during a rally at the Silverton Casino, 3333 Blue Diamond Road on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Volunteer Darlene Milloy walks inside Green Valley High School during the Nevada Republican presidential caucus in Henderson on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 2016. Daniel Clark/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @DanJClarkPhoto

Republicans line up outside Green Valley High School for the Nevada Republican presidential caucus in Henderson on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 2016. Daniel Clark/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @DanJClarkPhoto

Joseph Nero checks in inside Green Valley High School for the Nevada Republican presidential caucus in Henderson on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 2016. Daniel Clark/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @DanJClarkPhoto

Joe Monsour holds up a sign with his prescient number during the Nevada Republican caucus at Del Sol High School on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

People participate in the Nevada Republican caucus at Del Sol High School on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

Information volunteer Jeannie Brewer answers questions during the Nevada Republican caucus at Del Sol High School on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

People stand outside of the Del Sol High School cafeteria where people participated in the Nevada Republican caucus on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

People participate in the Nevada Republican caucus at Del Sol High School on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

People line up to check in at the GOP caucus at Canyon Springs High School, 350 E. Alexander Road, in North Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

People line up to attend the Republican caucus at Canyon Springs High School, 350 E. Alexander Road, in North Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Republican caucus-goers arrive at Bonanza High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Caucus-goers, from left Clay Werts, Stephen Kopolow and Bill Harrington discuss Republican presidential candidates at Bonanza High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Volunteers search precinct sign in files during the Republican caucus at Canyon Springs High School, 350 E. Alexander Road, in North Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Dee Taylor with Bring Back Solar, tries to get people to sign a roof top solar petition while people stand for the GOP caucus at Canyon Springs High School, 350 E. Alexander Road, in North Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Eric Trump, the son of GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, takes a photo with Barbara Ryan inside Green Valley High School during the Nevada Republican presidential caucus in Henderson on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 2016. Daniel Clark/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @DanJClarkPhoto

Nevada Assemblyman Stephen Silberkraus, R-Henderson, yells instructions during the Nevada Republican presidential caucus at Green Valley High School in Henderson on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 2016. Daniel Clark/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @DanJClarkPhoto

Dick Hoyt holds a sign supporting Marco Rubio inside Green Valley High School during the Nevada Republican presidential caucus in Henderson on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 2016. Daniel Clark/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @DanJClarkPhoto

Eric Trump, the son of GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, speaks with supporters inside Green Valley High School during the Nevada Republican presidential caucus in Henderson on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 2016. Daniel Clark/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @DanJClarkPhoto

Eric Trump, the son of GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump, speaks with supporters inside Green Valley High School during the Nevada Republican presidential caucus in Henderson on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 2016. Daniel Clark/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @DanJClarkPhoto

Barbara Ryan defends Donald Trump‘s electability inside Green Valley High School during the Nevada Republican presidential caucus in Henderson on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 2016. Daniel Clark/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @DanJClarkPhoto

Volunteer Dan Robson, center, helps caucus goers find their way around during the 2016 Republican caucus at Centennial High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, R-Las Vegas, waits in line to cast her vote during the 2016 Republican caucus at Centennial High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

A line forms to enter the registration area of the 2016 Republican caucus at Centennial High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

Janet Thietje, left, Stacie Weber don hats and signs in support of presidential candidate Marco Rubio during the 2016 Republican caucus at Centennial High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

Caucus goers register with their precincts in the cafeteria of Centennial High School during the 2016 Republican caucus in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

Caucus goers wait in line to register in their precinct during the 2016 Republican caucus at Centennial High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, R-Las Vegas, speaks with a reporter while waiting in line to cast her vote during the 2016 Republican caucus at Centennial High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

A caucus goer registers to vote in his precinct during the 2016 Republican caucus at Centennial High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

Linda Sanders speaks on why she is supporting Ted Cruz during the Republican caucus at Canyon Springs High School, 350 E. Alexander Road, in North Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

People listen to a Ted Cruz supporter during the Republican caucus at Canyon Springs High School, 350 E. Alexander Road, in North Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb.23, 2016. Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @jlscheid

Assemblywoman Michele Fiore, R-Las Vegas, walks out of the cafeteria of Centennial High School during the 2016 Republican caucus in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

Chief Assistant Attorney General Wesley Duncan, left, speaks in support of Ted Cruz during the 2016 Republican caucus at Centennial High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

Jacqui Lenhardt, center, caucuses for Ted Cruz during the 2016 Republican caucus at Centennial High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

Volunteers register caucus voters in precinct 3540 during the 2016 Republican caucus at Centennial High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

A voter speaks caucuses for a candidate during the 2016 Republican caucus at Centennial High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

Caucus goers listen as two women make their case for presidential candidate Ted Cruz during the 2016 Republican caucus at Centennial High School in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Brett Le Blanc/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bleblancphoto

Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the watch party at Embassy Suites Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bizutesfaye

Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the watch party at Embassy Suites Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bizutesfaye

Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the watch party at Embassy Suites Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bizutesfaye

Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the watch party at Embassy Suites Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bizutesfaye

Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the watch party at Embassy Suites Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bizutesfaye

Kim Milanes takes a picture as Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson speaks during the watch party at Embassy Suites Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bizutesfaye

Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson shakes hands with supporters during the watch party at Embassy Suites Convention Center on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Bizuayehu Tesfaye/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @bizutesfaye

Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, left, speaks with people during a Ted Cruz Republican caucus watch party at Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

Supporters react to results showing Donald Trump winning the Nevada caucus during a Ted Cruz Republican caucus watch party at Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

Dale Herrod, 12, looks at a TV screen during a Ted Cruz Republican caucus watch party at Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

Jason Yoder holds up a sign during a Ted Cruz Republican caucus watch party at Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

Jamie Ostransder holds up a sign during a Ted Cruz Republican caucus watch party at Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

Jamie Ostransder holds up a sign during a Ted Cruz Republican caucus watch party at Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, flanked by sons Donald Trump Jr., left, and Eric Trump, speaks at his watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at his watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, flanked by sons Donald Trump Jr., left, and Eric Trump, speaks at his watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Supporters celebrate as numbers come in projecting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as the winner of the Nevada GOP caucus at Trump‘s watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, flanked by sons Donald Trump Jr., left, and Eric Trump, speaks at his watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz speaks during a Nevada caucus watch party at Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz takes the stage during a Nevada caucus watch party at Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz speaks during a Nevada caucus watch party at Bill and Lillie Heinrich YMCA on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, in Las Vegas. Erik Verduzco/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @Erik_Verduzco

Supporters wait for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to speak at his watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump wait for numbers to come in for the Nevada GOP caucus at Trump‘s watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Supporters react as numbers come in projecting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as the winner of the Nevada GOP caucus at Trump‘s watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump wait for numbers to come in for the Nevada GOP caucus at Trump‘s watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump wait for numbers to come in for the Nevada GOP caucus at Trump‘s watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Michelle Creech celebrates with others as numbers come in projecting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as the winner of the Nevada GOP caucus at Trump‘s watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

Supporters Tom Summer, left, with his father Dan, of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, wait for numbers to come in for the Nevada GOP caucus at Trump‘s watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

An Elvis impersonator reacts as numbers come in projecting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump as the winner of the Nevada GOP caucus at Trump‘s watch party at Treasure Island hotel-casino in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @csstevensphoto

GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz speaks at his caucus watch party at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

Ted Cruz supporters watch the results at the GOP caucus watch party for presidential candidate Ted Cruz at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

Signs are raised above the crowd at the GOP caucus watch party for presidential candidate Ted Cruz at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

A Ted Cruz supporter watches the results at the GOP caucus watch party for presidential candidate Ted Cruz at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

David Pruyne is seen at the GOP caucus watch party for presidential candidate Ted Cruz at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

David Pruyne is seen at the GOP caucus watch party for presidential candidate Ted Cruz at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

Ted Cruz supporters wait for the speakers at the GOP caucus watch party for presidential candidate Ted Cruz at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

A sign is raised above the crowd at the GOP caucus watch party for presidential candidate Ted Cruz at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

Lincoln Berkey, 2, looks around for his father at the GOP caucus watch party for presidential candidate Ted Cruz at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

Ted Cruz arrive early at the GOP caucus watch party for presidential candidate Ted Cruz at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

Dominic Coe, 12, left, and his father Rob Coe watch the results at the GOP caucus watch party for presidential candidate Ted Cruz at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

Karl Ennenga wears a sticker on his head in support of Ted Cruz at the GOP caucus watch party for presidential candidate Ted Cruz at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

Ted Cruz supporters wait for the speakers at the GOP caucus watch party for presidential candidate Ted Cruz at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz speaks at his caucus watch party at the Bill & Lillie Heinrich YMCA at 4141 Meadows Lane in Las Vegas Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal

More than 600 ballots had been handed out by 6:30 p.m. at the Republican caucus at Caughlin Ranch Elementary School in Reno, Nev. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Officials reported precincts were "running out all over" due to large turnout. Cathleen Allison/Las Vegas Review-Journal

Mark Howells, right, reads ballots aloud as Angelo Gomez counts them during the Nevada Republican presidential caucus at Green Valley High School in Henderson on Tuesday, Feb. 23. 2016. Daniel Clark/Las Vegas Review-Journal Follow @DanJClarkPhoto
Minutes after the Nevada Republican caucus sites closed and hours before the votes were even counted, the result was already clear: Donald Trump won.
It wasn’t even close.
Fox TV projected Trump beating U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio 42 percent to 22 percent at 9:02 p.m. Reuters, MSNBC, the Los Angeles Times and The Associated Press made similar calls.
A crowd in a packed ballroom at a Trump watch party at Treasure Island erupted into raucous cheers after CNN projected Trump the victor.
Around 2:30 a.m., with 100 percent of precincts reporting, The Associated Press had Trump winning 45.91% of the vote.
Following him were Rubio with 23.85 percent and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz with 21.38 percent. Retired surgeon Ben Carson had 4.81 percent and Ohio Gov. John Kasich had 3.6 percent.
Trump dropped by to claim victory at 10 p.m.
“We love you, Nevada,” Trump said as the crowded erupted.
He acknowledged friends in the audience, including TI owner Phil Ruffin and Wynn Resorts Ltd. CEO Steve Wynn.
It was the third straight win for Trump, coming after he won the New Hampshire and South Carolina primaries.
“You’re going to be proud of your president, and you’re going to be even prouder of your country,” he said.
Trump also poked at naysayers who predicted his campaign would lose momentum. He repeated his oft-stated pledge to build a wall along the Mexican border and make Mexico pay for it.
“We’re going to have our borders nice and strong,” he said. “We’re going to build the wall.”
Heavy early turnout
Heavy turnout was reported at numerous caucus sites in the Las Vegas area early Tuesday night, though some shortages of blank ballots were reported. In most cases more supplies were quickly delivered.
Jeremy Hughes, a Nevada strategist for Rubio, said he heard about extensive problems at sites across the state. He said at his own caucus in Clark County, volunteers were checking in voters without seeing their IDs, including one member of the Rubio team. Hughes said he reported the violations to Sue Lowden, the former chairwoman of the Nevada Republican Party who happened to be at that caucus site, and she reprimanded the woman.
“We assume that situation was resolved,” said Hughes.
Hughes later contacted the Review-Journal to say that after talking to others and the party he does not believe there was fraud.
The Nevada Republican Party, seemingly recovered after a three-day delay in vote counting in 2012, was happy to tweet that “There have been no official reports of voting irregularities or violations,” it tweeted.
Trump visits caucus sites
Trump, considered the front-runner in the presidential race, visited several caucus sites, including Palo Verde High School. He came with a full entourage in several black SUVs, with security and a large mobile electronic billboard.
Summerlin resident Mark Greenberg, who stopped by the caucus with his son, a Palo Verde freshman, was one of the many who had a chance to chat and snap a photo with Trump.
Greenberg said he told Trump, “I’ve never seen anything like it — one of his expressions he always uses, and he said, ‘Isn’t it something? Everywhere I go it’s like this.”
“I said, ‘Keep up the good work,’ and he said, ‘I won’t let you down, man,'” Greenberg said.
Asked if he would support Trump, Greenberg said, “Don’t know yet. Really don’t know yet.”
He didn’t participate in Tuesday’s caucus, he said, noting that “I did on the Democratic side.”
One caucus day oddity involved two people dressed as Ku Klux Klan members wearing white robes and hoods quietly protesting in the parking lot of Cimarron-Memorial High School, where caucuses were taking place. They carried signs that mentioned Trump, but their intent was unclear. In one tweeted photo, police officers stood watch nearby.
The caucus was a closely watched contest key for GOP presidential candidates. It’s the fourth early-voting state for the GOP, following Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, and the first test in the West.
Nevada’s Republicans came across as unhappy with the political establishment and ready to put an outsider in the White House.
Nearly 6 in 10 arrivals at the Nevada caucuses said they are angry at the way the government is working, according to an Associated Press report on entrance polls. Another third said they are dissatisfied with the government.
Those early arrivals are most likely to say the top issues facing the country are the economy or government spending, each listed by about 3 in 10, AP reported. Immigration and terrorism were each chosen by slightly fewer — about 2 in 10.
The other candidates
Rubio held a rally at the Silverton on Tuesday morning.
He said he’d work to unite and grow the Republican Party, stressing his roots as the son of Cuban immigrants who worked as a bartender and maid.
“It can’t just be about electing the loudest person in the room because that alone won’t solve the problem,” Rubio said.
Trump covered the state, rallying Monday in Las Vegas, attending an event in Sparks on Tuesday and then jetting back to Las Vegas to work several caucus sites. Cruz also campaigned in Northern Nevada and returned to the Las Vegas area on Tuesday.
Carson at a Las Vegas town hall Tuesday stoked controversy by suggesting that President Barack Obama, the first African-American U.S. president, was “raised white.”
“The love of our country, which is about to go off the cliff if we don’t save it and traditional politics won’t save it,” Carson told the Review-Journal about what keeps him, “marching forward.”
Gov. Brian Sandoval, who caucused at a Reno elementary school, voted for Rubio but said it was not an endorsement. He said Rubio is the best choice but still must address the proposed nuclear repository at Yucca Mountain, which Sandoval and others want to remain shuttered.
After finishing well behind Trump in Nevada, Cruz took heart in having won the Iowa caucuses.
Addressing supporters at his watch party Tuesday night, Cruz said, “History teaches us that nobody has ever won the nomination without winning one of the first three primaries and there are only two people who have won one of the first three primaries.”
At stake were 30 delegates who will go to the GOP national convention. The Nevada Republican caucus awards delegates proportionally to candidates who receive at least 3.3 percent of the vote, while some states use a winner-take-all method. Nationally, the presidential nominee needs 1,237 delegates out of a total of 2,472.
Each of 1,784 precincts picks delegates who go on to their county convention. At the county conventions, delegates are picked to move to the state GOP convention in May. At the state convention, delegates and alternatives get elected to go to Cleveland for the Republican National Convention in July, when the GOP will officially nominate its presidential candidate.
Nevada Democrats caucused Saturday, handing Hillary Clinton a win over Bernie Sanders.
CNN, Reuters and Review-Journal writers Adelaide Chen, Carri Geer Thevenot, Sean Whaley, Marian Green, Alexander S. Corey and Pashtana Usufzy contributed to this report. Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904. Find him on Twitter: @BenBotkin1